Every once and a while, we think we have it all together and then we take a long moment and figure out that we just DO NOT. And that is okay for a little while. It is totally fine to have a break down and freak out for a few hours. When the weight of a tough semester, the job you hate, and the stresses of extracurriculars get to you, it is okay to momentarily question all of your life choices. It is okay to lock yourself in your room and cry about absolutely nothing. It is definitely okay to eat an entire pint of ice cream in pajamas and binge watch Netflix for a night. But, eventually, we have to get it together. Eventually we have to get up and leave our room. Eventually the meltdown has to end. When life starts to get though, whether by the stressors of school, a relationship, or your job, there are some tips and tricks to just give you a little push on your road to feeling better.
1. Exercise
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Some people benefit from a long run around the block and other people like to lift weights. Yoga, on the other hand, does not have to be strenuous or even hard at all. Any form of exercise is healthy and can be beneficial but sometimes when your head is up in the clouds a little Downward Dog is all you need to bring you back to reality. If your school offers free yoga classes, give it a try. If you don't have access to free classes and you don't feel like paying to go, there are plenty of apps you can download on your smart devices to get you started with the basics. Following inspirational people like Rachel Brathen, also known as Yoga Girl, and listening to podcasts might help you realize that you're not alone in your struggles. Some savasana may be all you need to kick the funk you're in.
2. Self Love
When you realize the only thing you've had to eat for the past week is Target brand coffee and microwaved rice maybe it's time to splurge. Go treat yourself to your favorite sushi roll, put on a face mask, and drink a bottle of pink moscato just because you can. When you notice... hmm maybe you don't remember the last time you trimmed your facial hair or shaved your legs... take a long shower. Clean yourself up. The better you feel physically, the better you will feel mentally. Don't be afraid to tell your friends you are busy and take a personal day.
3. Talk To Someone
Chances are, you have at least one friend you can go to for anything. Maybe it's your sibling, or your parent, or maybe even your roommate, but it may help to just let it all out. Some schools offer free help sessions for student who feel like they can't handle the stress alone. If you don't have anyone to talk to, and maybe you really need someone, there are numbers at the bottom for help. The world may seem like a lot sometimes and it's not wrong to ask for someone's ear every now and again. Be selfish.
4. Read a Book
Get lost in a world that isn't yours. Some of the best escapes can be reached in the comfort of your own bed.
5. BREATHE
When you're underwater, and you're sinking, drowning in exams and presentations, you need to remember even the strongest swimmers have to come up for air. Take a second and take a breath. The things that stressed you out a year ago probably don't still stress you out now. It will pass, you will pass, and eventually you will reach your goal. It's going to be tough but remember, if it was easy everybody would do it too.
You've got this, but if you feel like you don't, speak up and ask for help. We're all rooting for you.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.800.273.8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention 1-800-931-2237
Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 1-888-843-4564
Crisis Pregnancy Hotline Number 1-800-67-BABY-6
