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Outlets For Relaxation

Take a step back and enjoy the little things.

Apr 18, 2016

Life has a way of being crazy busy for me. Between classes, internships, jobs and my attempt at a social life, I always find myself rushing from place to place; going through the motions and being a state of always being tired. I have a hard time slowing down and taking the time to just relax (unless you count sleeping as relaxing, which I don't do much of either).

This past weekend, I went up to Big Bear, California, to spend time with my sorority sisters at our annual retreat. Even though I am now home and struggling to get all my neglected homework and assignments done, I throughly enjoyed my quick vacation and realized the importance of taking time to yourself. Unfortunately, I cannot make it to Big Bear every weekend, even though I would if could, but here are some ideas of activities to do every week to recharge and get ready for a productive week.

1. Take a hike

Exploring and appreciating the outdoors is something I don't do often enough, but it is the perfect way to set aside your work and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature

2. Make art

Choose your medium and let your imagination soar. Art is something we used to do a lot growing up, so why give up something that results in something so beautiful. Turn on your favorite Spotify playlist and create something just for fun

3. Take a yoga class

Yoga is meant for relaxation and if you commit to it fully, it can be a great break from your busy schedule and stretch out those muscles that were stuck at desks all day long.

4. Head to the beach

Living in La Jolla, I have the luxury of walking to the beach anytime I want, but I still have a hard time taking the small trip. Set aside a one day a week were you could walk/run to the beach and just listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean. Bonus: Leave your phone at home

5. Treat yourself

You work hard all week long. Dying to catch up on Grey's? Do it. Craving ice cream? Eat it. Life is too short for all work and no play. Take some time to enjoy the little things, and I promise it will make your busiest days a little bit more bearable.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Outlets For Relaxation

Take a step back and enjoy the little things.

1. Take a hike

2. Make art

3. Take a yoga class

4. Head to the beach

5. Treat yourself

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

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3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

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7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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