It's that time of year… second semester! It's not like first semester was hard enough but add on the stress of testing and every extracurricular imaginable. If you're anything like the majority of high schoolers right now- you are stressed.
Here is the all too common scenario that I am sure you have all experienced: you procrastinate so you are stressed, then you worry about being stressed and you don't get your work done and then you're even more stressed than before.
So next time you start to feel stressed, try some of these steps to prevent a downward spiral of stress:
Take a WalkÂ
Go outside and let your mind relax. A 10 minute walk can help you refocus and get your work done.
Make a TO DO ListÂ
Make a list of everything you need to get done and prioritize them. Being able to visually see how much you are getting done can help make you feel productive and stress less.
Take a Bath
Similar to taking a walk, taking a bath can help your mind and body relax.
Listen to Music
You can play your favorite up-beat jams to a have a dance party or play some calm heartfelt tunes.
Get CreativeÂ
Color in a coloring book, knit a scarf, make some jewelry or one of those friendship bracelets. The repetitive motions can help calm down your anxiety.
Breathe
Sometimes when you have a lot going on, just remind yourself to take a deep breath and relax. Try the 4-7-8 breathing method.
Talk to someone
Whether its your best friend, sister or your mom, have someone to talk to about what may be stressing you out.
Lavender
Buy some lavender essential oil for a diffuser or mix it with a carrier oil to make a roll on.
Drink a cup of tea
Coffee can make your anxiety even worse so opt for a cup of green tea since it has caffeine to help you focus without giving you the jitters.
LaughÂ
Watch a funny viral video or a comedian. Laughing increases the endorphins in your body, which lighten your mood and make you feel better.
