I’ve reached that point in the semester where everything keeps piling up and I am buried under stress and due dates. I’ve lost all track of time and sometimes I forget what day it is. I realize that college is a blessing, and I am grateful to be here, but sometimes things just don’t seem to work out in my favor. In doing the best I can, I have a few things that keep me going at this point in the semester.
- Enjoy Nature.
Nature is a beautiful thing. Taking a walk outside, enjoying fresh air, is a great way to not only relieve stress but also to find some inspiration. I find myself walking outside after a long day of class and work.
- Help someone else.
One of the greatest ways to help yourself is to help someone else. Not only will you feel good, but you’ll be making someone else feel good too. It’s a great way to take your mind off whatever you are dealing with.
- Be grateful.
As difficult as it may be, remember why you are here and what you have to look forward to. Not everyone gets the opportunities you do. It may be stressful, but that stress is a blessing in disguise. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.
- Take a mental break.
It seems pretty obvious, but ironically it’s the one we most forget to do. In all that we have to do, it’s hard to remember to sit down and just rest. Exhaustion itself is pretty overwhelming. Do something that relaxes you and refocuses your brain – even if that means taking a nap.
- Exercise.
One of the greatest ways to get your brain thinking is to get your body moving. It’s a good way to let out all of the negative energy you are holding in and it physically relaxes you.
- Sleep.
Another simple one that we easily forget to do. It’s easy to stay up and finish a paper or study for a test, but we often forget the damage it does to our body and our mind. The added stress we have is a result of not allowing our brain to rest. Demanding too much from our mind and body can have damaging effects.
- Write it down.
I find that writing helps me relieve a lot of stress. It serves as a creative outlet. I get to say things I need to get out and help make the world (and internet) a more positive place. Writing allows you to express yourself and manage your emotional health.
- Take the day off.
Sometimes it’s good to just take an entire day for yourself. Due to the fact that we sometimes forget to give our brains a break, an entire day may be just what you need. Take an occasional day away from your hectic schedule to just have fun. Whether that means watching Netflix all day or going hiking somewhere, the goal is to have fun and relax.
- Give yourself a treat.
Rewarding yourself is a fun and simple way to motivate yourself and relax when it’s all over. Allowing yourself to have some “me time” and celebrating who you are can lift your spirits and help you have a positive look on life. So indulge yourself from time to time.
- One step at a time.
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy when we make out to-do lists. Because if your to-do list looks anything like mine it’s pretty long. Just looking at that list gives we anxiety. So it’s important for to remember to tackle our day one task at a time and not overload our brains with responsibilities.
Featured image via Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
