There are so many things in our lives that can be stressful. Work, school, and more all seem to pile up and overwhelm. Facing these things without procrastinating is necessary, but when you are ready to start freaking out, try one of these to combat your stress.
1. Color.
Whether it is doodling on the side of your notes or printing out coloring pages online, coloring allows you to relax, be creative, and feel like a kid again.
2. Dance.
Get your friends, roommate, or just dance by yourself. Getting moving lets you blow off steam and have more energy so that you can focus on work or whatever you need to do afterward.
3. Watch a show.
Watching a show is a good measure of a half hour or an hour break that lets you allot yourself a specific break time. It may be hard to limit yourself when watching Netflix, but for some this is a perfect way to have a strategic and limited break.
4. Work out.
Going to the gym or simply taking a walk both provide a great way to relax! Especially if you can go outside and get some fresh air, you will be feeling less stressed in no time!
5. Try breathing exercises.
It could be a morning ritual or a five-minute break, but concentrating on your breathing allows your mind to focus on something other than what is stressing you.
6. Talk to someone.
Visiting a friend may be just what you need! Having someone to talk to can take your mind off of anything overwhelming.
7. Call home.
Talking to mom and dad is a distraction and can make anything looming overhead seem smaller.
8. Yoga.
Going to a yoga class or even watching a YouTube video are equally beneficial when it comes to taking a little while to yourself.
9. Laugh.
Laughing is proven to relieve stress. Whether you watch a comedy, or have a fun night with your friends, you will be feeling a lot better after you take some time to yourself.
10. Treat yourself.
It could be chocolate, a glass of wine, (both!) or just about anything, but treating yourself is essential. Many times, we put ourselves as a last priority, and this is not good for mental or physical health. So take an hour or a day and do whatever allows you to relax best and makes you happy.
11. Write.
And no, I don't mean writing that research paper! Taking the time to write in a journal about what you are feeling, doing, and what is bothering you can help you release any emotions you have bottled up. Let it out and you will find yourself able to be productive.
12. Read.
Whether you read just a chapter at a time, or take a night off to read, it is a great way to escape the reality of whatever is causing you stress.
13. Drink tea.
A cup of tea can fix anything! You can have chamomile before bed to help you sleep or green tea anytime that is thought to rev up your metabolism if you have several cups a day.
14. Take a break.
Simply take 10 minutes to yourself and do anything that makes you happy. Afterwards, I'm sure you will feel better -- even if just a teensy bit!
