It's been a solid six months since I lasted updated the Injection of Inspiration blog (partly due to being busy and partly due to pure laziness). I've been delivering weekly injections of inspiration on my YouTube channel if you want to check those out, but what prompted me to want to write this in particular is because I have a three-day weekend thanks to President's Day. And it's been a blast.

From all the articles I write to school stuff (I'm nearing the end of my college career believe it or not), very rarely do I have free time on my hands, and even when I do, I try to use it effectively. That brings me to the topic of today's blog. I often find whenever people are presented with free time, they don't know how to spend it, or at least wisely. Years ago, I wrote about my own experiences with time management upon coming to college, but this blog will be a bit broader in terms of five things you can do to fill the free time. Soon you'll find that the day will fly by quicker than you thought it would.

First and foremost, if you've had a lot going on recently and have been stretching yourself too thin, you need to take a step back and just relax. Everyone's bodies are different, but you can only go so hard for so long before your body begins to break down on you. You may not feel the effects at this very moment, but you will later in life, so take care of your body now by allowing yourself to rest and relax, even if it's briefly.

There are a million and one ways to accomplish this, but it mainly depends on your interests. Most people will turn to television, sit down on the couch, and watch a few episodes of their favorite show. Others will take a nap or go to sleep earlier (I strongly recommend the latter; just because you're off tomorrow doesn't necessarily mean you should stay up late). Bottom line, do whatever helps you recharge your batteries.

All I'll suggest is that you don't do this for too long. Take it easy, of course, but if you spend your entire day doing nothing but watching TV, binge-watching something on Netflix, or playing video games, you're missing out on a ton of other stuff. Take the time to try new things that you wouldn't normally be able to do, because quite frankly, you can watch TV any time you get home from work or school. Once your body is back at 100 percent, you'll know.

From what I've seen, the top cause of stress is allowing uncompleted tasks pile up, and when it comes time to do them all, you feel overwhelmed and either end up getting nothing done or sloppily rush through them. Isn't it weird we wait until the most inopportune times to accomplish tasks? You probably want to spend that extra day off just hanging out, and you can, but even if it's only for an hour or two, take the time to look at what still needs to be done.

Personally, and I'm just strange like this, but I feel a great sense of satisfaction whenever I cross something off my "To Do/Reminders" list on my iPhone. And I guess I should mention that as well. If you're an extremely unorganized person, it will much easier for you to get stuff done when you have an actual list of what needs to get done. It may seem like a lot at first, but once you complete a certain task, you'll begin building momentum and then you're on a roll.

My point is that you may not be able to complete these tasks during the course of the week when you're focused on work, school, family, friends and everything else. The more time you ignore it, the more stress you'll ultimately cause yourself. Taking a day out of your three-day weekend/vacation to knock off at least a few of these things will bring you an amazing amount of internal pleasure knowing there's a lot less to worry about when the work week starts up again.

This kind of goes along with the previous selection, but it's a bit different. In addition to completing tasks that have been piling up for a few days/weeks, why not get ahead of the game while you have the free time to do so? Okay, so it might feel like you're doing work when you're supposed to be off and that doesn't sound appealing at all, but I'm not saying you should do everything that you normally do during the course of the week. Doing a small portion of the work you have planned for the week ahead goes a long way.

For example, if you're in college like me, you probably already know what you have due for the coming week. In addition to doing what you're supposed to do with the homework due Tuesday, it would be wise to set some time aside to do the homework (or at least part of it) that's due on Wednesday, or possibly Thursday as well. This way, you're not scrambling to get it done the night before, you're not stressed out, and most importantly, you'll have that free time later on to do whatever you want!

Again, an ample amount of the stress we experience on a daily basis stems from worrying about what's coming up instead of living in the moment. Of course, there will always be things coming our way, both expected and unexpected. You can't plan for the unexpected, but to get the expected tasks out of the way before they even arrive puts you ahead of the game and allows you to better prepare for the unexpected tasks if they are to occur.

The primary purpose of this article is to show that there are ways to effectively utilize your free time without spending money. For this selection, you might have to dish out a little cash while bonding with friends and family, and that's completely okay. This could include going to a good movie, going out to dinner, going to dinner, etc. But it's also entirely possible to hang out with the people in your life you care about the most without having to spend money.

It could be something as simple talking to someone a little longer than you normally would. I put aside some time every night to talk to my girlfriend, and during long weekends, I can stay for a while. Before I called her last night, I rang up my dad, who I hadn't talked to in over two weeks and spent a half hour on the phone talking to him. Our schedules are so radically different during the week it's hard to catch him then, but on a Sunday evening when I have free time, it's definitely doable.

Or you can drive over to a relative's house who you haven't talked to or seen in some time and catch up on things. You'll enjoy yourself, but they'll appreciate it that much more. Whenever I'm home on break from college and I'm not working, I go to see my grandparents and spend time with them. There are occasions where I'll be free for a full night, so I'll stay longer and beat my grandma in a game of Uno or Sorry. I guess you could drink, too, but there are ways to kill time without having to consume alcohol.

I left this last selection open to interpretation for whatever it might mean to you. When I say strengthening your mind and body, several things should come to mind, but it's different for everyone depending on what you're interested in. Working out and/or going to the gym is an extremely valuable use of your free time, and it will make the time fly by, too. There are those whose work schedules are so hectic they can't even find time to fit in a workout. Well, a long weekend or extended vacation presents that opportunity for them.

If you aren't into that type of stuff, then going for a nice, relaxing walk is just as awesome. I'd prefer it to be a place where there aren't a ton of people around, but even if it's a beach or a boardwalk, nothing matches the feeling of experiencing nature and the world as a whole, breathing that fresh air and getting your body moving in the process. As I write this, it's the middle of February, so the weather outside might not be ideal, but in that case, just dress warmly! You have no excuse to not go for a jog or take a stroll.

Giving your mind a good workout is every bit as important in my opinion, and this can be done in a variety of ways. Writing is what I know best considering I constantly do it, but on my off-time, I write more than what I'm required to. I'll recall past experiences and write them down to ensure I don't forget them, or just record my thoughts in real time. I don't typically have time to do that during the week. Reading is another big one. In fact, I just finished reading 50 pages of a book I've had for the past month, got really into, and haven't cracked open since I got back to school. That was an enjoyable activity as well. There are many more ways for you to effectively utilize your free time, so find what drives you and maximize your off-days to the fullest.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews
​
​I was listening to Chris Jericho's interview with Christian on his podcast just recently (strongly suggesting checking it out if you have the time) and Christian mentioned something that peaked my interest. Jericho asked Christian what it was like to finally win the world championship at 2011's Extreme Rules event and Christian said it was the greatest feeling he ever experienced in his career.

​Interestingly enough, however, he said he has yet to watch that match/moment back. Why? Because he didn't want to watch it back and come to discover that the moment of winning the world title might not have been as great as he remembers it as. And that couldn't had made any more sense to me.

​In life, there are many moments we would love to relive. Whether it be your wedding day, graduation, Christmas morning or maybe even that time that guy/girl you asked to the dance said yes to you. It lives on in your memory as one of the greatest days of your life. And maybe it is. But what if it didn't go down exactly the way you thought it did? From your perspective, everything might have gone perfect.

​Watching back that moment from someone else's point of view might make it clear that not everything was as perfect or it didn't go as smoothly as you originally thought it did. And then that moment is ruined forever, and you'll never again think of it as being a highlight in your life.

That said, just live in the moment, not in the past. Don't get me wrong, it's perfectly okay and sometimes fun to reflect on the past (I'm guilty of this at times), but if you spend too much looking back, you'll miss what's happening right now. That next big moment in your life could have just passed you by and you didn't even notice because you were too busy thinking about that last great moment.

​If a moment was THAT special to you, then you shouldn't need to relive it. You have the memories of it, and that's all you'll ever need. If it was perfect to you in that moment, then it was perfect. Don't watch it back to confirm that it was as special as you thought it was, because you might left disappointed.

The past is there to learn from so you can better your tomorrow. On the same token, don't spend too much time about what the future might bring. What happens, happens. You write your own future by doing what you're doing right now. Nothing is ever set in stone. Don't stress about the past because it's just that: in the past.

​Don't worry about the future because it hasn't even happened. All you should be concerned with is what's happening in the present, right now. Live in the moment, because you never know when your next big once-in-a-lifetime moment will arrive.

​By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​Compliments are a funny thing. When you don't get a lot of them, you appreciate the ones you do get that much more. I'm the type of person that takes everything to heart. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes that's not such a good thing.

​But I don't forget stuff, especially anything positive, and to say that every “Hey, good job on that!” or “Congrats on this!” means the world to me is a massive, massive understatement. I feed off that positive energy, and even negative vibes fuel me. It reminds me why I do what I do. It keeps me going when all hope is seemingly lost.

​I'm extremely fortunate that at 21-years-old, I've been able to do some pretty cool stuff, and meet some pretty cool people. But the greatest thing I've ever been able to, and what makes me happier than anything else, is knowing I've impacted someone else's life.

Someone who has followed me on Twitter for a few years now reached out recently to say that my “unwavering positivity” helped them get through a tough time, and that they were grateful for me being a “source of strength” for them. It took me a solid hour to respond because I couldn't put how much that meant to me into words. Wow.

That feeling is absolutely invaluable. I saw somewhere not too long ago that those who strive to make others happy tend to be the most lonely. Arguable, yes, but to make someone feel a way that you don't is powerful. That's a worthy sacrifice. That's true happiness.

I'm honestly no one special. I'm nothing more than a kid who wears wrestling shirts. But hearing that means the absolute world, fuels me to keep going and reminds me why I do what I do.

Sure, my ultimate goal is, was and will always be to work for WWE someday in some capacity, but at the same time, another top goal of mine that's as high up on the list if not higher is to inspire people. To motivate people. To make people happy, and it's interactions like that one that give me the sense I'm on the right path to making a difference in this world, no matter how small.

Just like it shouldn't be New Year's Day to start setting goals for yourself, it shouldn't have to be “Random Act of Kindness Day” for you to do something nice for someone. So start today.

​To you, it may be something small and you'll forget about it in an hour, but to them, it might mean everything and could change their entire outlook on life (trust me, I know). You'll be happy you did, and more importantly, they will be, too.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​​One of the most common questions I'm asked is why I don't drink, and if I'd ever consider drinking on my 21st birthday. I wouldn't, and I haven't. I feel that part of what makes me who I am is that I don't drink, do drugs or smoke. Not to say that there's anything wrong with doing those things, but I've always been a big believer that I've never needed them to have a good time or to make me happy (not to mention I'm already crazy enough as it is). My only addictions are writing, wrestling and life itself.

Straight edge was a path I chose six years ago, and I didn't do it because I thought alcohol was “evil” or anything along those lines. I did it because I knew it would make me different from everyone else, and it has. I'd love to be remembered as the one person (or among the few) who has never taken a sip of alcohol. Ever. I greatly appreciate anyone and everyone who has understood my straight edge lifestyle and has accepted me for who I am and what I stand for. Swig of soda for those amazing people!

​Simply put, I've lost a good number of friends and family members, both figuratively and literally, because of drugs and alcohol. But that wasn't the reason I embarked on a straightedge lifestyle to begin with. Back in early 2010, I began idolizing CM Punk and his straightedge lifestyle. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and decided I wanted to be just like him. That said, in my entire life I have never smoked anything or consumed any alcohol. And I don't plan to.

In anything I do in life, I strive to be different. I didn't want to be CM Punk but rather I wanted to be LIKE CM Punk. Almost everyone I know drinks or does drugs, and that doesn't make them any better of a person than me or vice versa. Like I said, everyone's equal. And I'll reiterate this: there is NOTHING wrong with doing any of those things; it's all in moderation. If you can keep it under control and not do harm to anyone else, that's the key. It's when you become excessive about it (or anything in life) that it becomes a problem.

I've seen what drinking and doing drugs do to people, and I don't want that to be me. It's not that I'm afraid. Instead, I don't see any reason to do any of those things. It's as simple as that. People will do these things because they enjoy it and/or because they enjoyment out of it. That's completely fine. I've said this time and time again and I'll continue to say it: do what makes you happy, as long as it doesn't come at the harm of others. So, why would I drink or do drugs if I'm already happy?

I don't want to wake up tomorrow and not remember what I did last night. I don't want to do something stupid because I was high. I don't want to get “wasted” for the sake of getting “wasted.” I don't give in to peer pressure, either. I want to have a fun time, sure, but having a fun time doesn't ALWAYS mean alcohol has to be involved. Some people don't get that and maybe they never will, but sometimes something has to happen in order for them to learn, unfortunately enough.

What makes me happy? Wrestling. I'm completely content staying in on a Friday and Saturday night watching a movie and especially getting stuff done. I actually ENJOY what I do (writing articles and such), so I'll spend my time doing it. I keep my social circle small and full of people I can trust and have a good time with. I don't care for parties because that's not who I am. Want to call me a “loser” for not going to parties? Go ahead, but it's not going to change the fact that I'm happy doing what I'm doing. And if I'm already happy, I see no reason for me to smoke, drink or do drugs.

In a nutshell, do whatever makes you happy. If that means smoking or “getting high,” that's fine. There's nothing wrong with that. There's nothing wrong with being straightedge, either. There's a common misconception that all straightedge people hate people who do drugs or drink and that couldn't be any farther from the truth. I don't hate the people who do that stuff. I don't like the act of doing those things, but that has no reflection on my opinion of those who do them. My opinion of it has always been this: don't do that stuff to be “cool.” Do it because you actually want to. Most importantly, just be you.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​Final exam period is the most stressful time for any college student. Yet somehow, despite how I have four final exams coming up in the next week, I don't find myself to be the least bit stressed. That isn't to say that I don't care about college or finals because I've absolutely put effort into studying and completing the projects I've needed to get done, but I don't see the purpose of being stressed out. In the end, you're simply putting extra pressure on yourself, and if you constantly worry that you aren't going to do well on something, odds are you probably won't.

I don't mean to scare you with that statement, but that mindset can be applied to just about anything in life. If you think you're going to lose a match or a fight, you've given your opponent the advantage and you've already lost. If you think your relationship is going to fail, it likely will because that's all that is on your mind. A positive attitude prepares you for a positive experience. Don't just think you're going to do well. Assure yourself you'll do well in anything you do by backing it up: study hard, avoid waiting until the last minute, and come prepared. I know there will be times you'll study like crazy for a test and still do poorly, but hey, at least you weren't stressed out! There wasn't much more you could have done at that point (maybe you just didn't understand the material as well as you thought you did).

To my fellow college (or even high school) students out there, the best thing you can do is not freak out like the rest of your classmates about finals. I've never understood why people waste time complaining about finals. I'm not downplaying their difficulty, but it's not as if they're a new concept and they came out of nowhere. You've known about them for months. That's almost the equivalent to complaining about the sun rising tomorrow morning. You know it's going to happen, so why whine? I understand you hate exams, but as students, we all do. Now start doing something about it, and remember that once it's over, you'll have nothing to worry about (or at least less to worry about).

I came to this conclusion just recently, but I might actually enjoy finals. Okay, let me clarify. I don't like taking tests or doing projects, especially three at the same time (I have three separate presentations back-to-back-to-back this coming Wednesday). But I like being busy. When I'm bored or have nothing going on, where's the fun and excitement in that? I've had quite a bit going on this past week for school and other things, but as a result, I've been more motivated than I've been in months. I thrive off it. That said, everyone functions differently, and there are those who don't do as well under pressure. That's completely okay.

Break down your basic behaviors (warning: we might get super deep here for a moment). Why do you do what you do? Who do you do it for? Your family? Friends? A special someone? Think of them. Think of that goal you've been working toward, and how everything you're going through right now will be worth it in the end. It always is. I'm a big believer that hard work pays off and that everything happens for a reason. Even the bad stuff. It's typically during our most arduous times that we learn the most about ourselves and what we're capable of. If you can get through this stressful time, what's stopping you from conquering everything else in your life?

I know this is pretty much the premise of every one of my "Injection of Inspiration" blog posts, but the key to not getting stressed out is to think positive. Yes, it's easier said than done, but it is absolutely achievable. It's all about the mindset you have. If you whine, complain and make life miserable for yourself and everyone around you, you're not doing anyone any favors. You may pass the test (congrats, I guess), but at what cost? You've gotten no sleep. You're tired. You've annoyed everyone around you. You're going to be tired either way, but as long as you don't let the stress get to you, you might only be burned out physically and not mentally.

During any stressful time, think about what makes you happy. Most importantly, take a break. Some may work well when they don't take breaks, but for the majority of people, a break every now and again is necessary. Don't over do it, of course, but after you get half your stuff done, sit back, relax and enjoy an episode of your favorite show before getting back to work. You have to learn to discipline yourself, especially if you're in college or older and your parents aren't there every step of the way to hold your hand. In life, you'll have to make your own decisions.

Bad things are going to happen in your life (as well as things you can't control or prevent or predict), and with it will come stress, but you have two options. You can either take the easy way out and let the stress succumb you, forcing your life to fall apart around you. Or you can work through it with a positive mental attitude. We are not defined by what happens to us in life but rather how we react to it and by what we do. You control and hold responsibility over your own actions. Stress is your No. 1 enemy. I'm not saying the process of overcoming stress is a breeze, but if you can focus on the positive and stay driven and determined, it is possible to pass the stress test.