Let’s start with the traditional version of stress relief. Picture this: you’re lying in a dimly lit room with lavender oil diffusing nearby, calmly whispering affirmations like, “I release all tension,” or, “I am at peace.” While that works for some people, let’s be honest—it’s not for everyone.
For those of us who feel like stress is a tangible monster crawling up our backs, this version of self-love feels cringy and completely out of touch. Sometimes you don’t want calm—you want catharsis. That’s where today’s self-love challenge comes in.
The Self Loathe Club Twist
Today’s practice? Screaming into a pillow.
Here’s how it works:
- Grab a pillow. Any pillow will do, but the fluffier, the better—it’ll absorb more of your chaos.
- Take a deep breath. The kind of breath you’d take if you just found out your phone is missing and you haven’t backed up your photos.
- Let it out. Scream into that pillow like it’s the thing keeping you from a good night’s sleep.
Why do this? Because sometimes you don’t need gentle affirmations. Sometimes you need to channel your inner banshee and let it all out.
Why It Works
Turns out, there’s some science behind this madness:
- Releases Tension: Screaming helps your body let go of pent-up stress, frustration, and anger.
- Acts as a Reset: It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on your emotional state.
- Engages Your Body: It’s a physical release that feels as satisfying as throwing your phone (but without the consequences).
It’s also fun. Yes, I said it. There’s something oddly satisfying about turning your frustration into noise—muffled noise, of course.
My Takeaway
Was it weird? Absolutely. Did it work? Surprisingly, yes. Screaming into a pillow doesn’t fix everything, but it’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel your feelings—even the messy, loud, chaotic ones.
The beauty of this challenge is that it’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require you to pretend everything’s fine. You’re not masking your stress; you’re confronting it head-on in a way that feels authentic.
Try It Yourself
Next time life feels overwhelming, skip the whispering affirmations and grab a pillow. Scream into it, let out all the tension, and see how it feels. It’s not conventional, but self-love rarely is.
What matters is finding what works for you—even if it’s a little unorthodox.
Embrace Your Weird,
Nick
Founder of Self Loathe Club
