11 Humorous Ways Latinx Deal With Stress

There's being stressed, and then there's being a stressed out Latinx. You don't only worry about your next work presentation, but also about your little cousin's math test, your mom's review at work, your abuela's doctor's appointment, your neighbor's meeting with the bank for a big loan — the list goes on.

A big part of you taps into the new movement that encourages self-care and prioritizing mental health, while another part of you wonders if easing your mind is a job better suited for Vicks VapoRub. There are nuances that come with being Latinx that feed into why you're stressed, but also how you handle those worries. Grab those bodega candles and read ahead for the 11 stages of dealing with stress as a Latina.

01
You turn to techniques your abuela taught you.
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You turn to techniques your abuela taught you.

Anise tea, anyone? You're seriously hoping a cup will take all of your problems away.

02
You get a whiff of the most calming scent you'll ever know.
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You get a whiff of the most calming scent you'll ever know.

When the tea fails, instead of essential oils, you rub Vicks VapoRub on your chest (or light your Vapo-candle) in hopes that it'll calm you by bringing back childhood memories.

03
You Google what saint, prayer, or healing potion can solve your problem.
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You Google what saint, prayer, or healing potion can solve your problem.

Some Google meditation practices; you look for a little higher helper.

04
You start cleaning like a madwoman.
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You start cleaning like a madwoman.

Cleaning is now your idea of a stress-relieving task — you won't admit that to your mama though, because she'll have lots to say about the times you didn't even think to pick up the escoba.

05
You put on Marco Antonio Solis.
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You put on Marco Antonio Solis.

Let's not even talk about how blasting (and singing along to) some Marco Antonio Solis is the equivalent of going to therapy for you. He just gets you.

06
You become twice as stressed when you realize you've been biting your nails, and your grandma is going to lecture you.
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You become twice as stressed when you realize you've been biting your nails, and your grandma is going to lecture you.

Now you have to go get a manicure.

07
You become jealous of people who don't have to worry about their third cousin twice removed's marriage problems.
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You become jealous of people who don't have to worry about their third cousin twice removed's marriage problems.

You remember how when your friends tell you about their stressors, they all revolve around themselves. What must it feel like to only worry about yourself and not every member of your extended family?

08
You fail at taking an hour to sit in the bath and "relax."
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You fail at taking an hour to sit in the bath and "relax."

While you're in there, you worry about all the other things you should be doing. You were not taught to sit and do nothing.

09
You might light a saint candle or two.
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You might light a saint candle or two.

Grandma always said to turn to them for solace.

10
You open a can of cookies to eat your stress away, and there's sewing supplies inside.
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You open a can of cookies to eat your stress away, and there's sewing supplies inside.

You should know better: no cookie cans in your household actually contain cookies, of course.

11
Finally, you turn to Walter Mercado.
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Finally, you turn to Walter Mercado.

He always knows what to do, so you go on YouTube and look at some of his old videos, then do exactly as he said.