These are my ways of relaxing, I understand that it may not work for everyone or "studies" may show that my techniques are ridiculous. I am only sharing what I do because recently I have felt stressed in the short time that school has started, and maybe you have too. My 10 things are tailored to my personality so you may even hate it, but just stick with me.

1) Drinking Coffee

https://www.pexels.com/photo/coffee-on-table-6052/

I know what you are thinking, "You should never drink coffee to relax, it increases your heart rate and anxiety." However, when I drink coffee it's like my whole body relaxes at that first sip. The taste brings back memories of car rides with friends and drinking coffee together, or going to a coffee shop to do homework in a peaceful environment. If you don't drink coffee, try another drink so that when you have it you instantly feel better and refreshed.

2) Working out

https://pixabay.com/en/kickboxer-girl-moscow-thai-1561793/

I will be straightforward in saying that I am no gym rat. Working out to relax sounds crazy, but your body releases endorphins when you exercise making it feel good (although sometimes I know it feels like you want to die). When my mind is on overdrive and I can't calm down, exhausting my body physically exhausts me mentally. Working out makes you focus solely on the activity at hand, not your other stress. Before you say no, just try it once, you don't have to be "good" at working out to work up a sweat and push through that stress.

3) Playing Music

I play the viola and cello, and immersing myself in the music takes complete concentration. While I practice I am completely focused on the music and technique, I block everything else out. It takes so much work that it doesn't allow me to worry about anything else in the moment. If you don't play an instrument I'd recommend listening to classical music, it's beautiful, peaceful, and you can have it on while you work. I listen to music when I can't play it and it is just as calming.

4) Watch Something Funny

https://pixabay.com/en/laughter-joy-fun-detskijsmeh-smile-1369402/

I pretty much only watch comedies, I love laughing and they make me happy. I watch basically any sitcom, stand-up comedy special, or YouTube video that will make me smile. It makes the weight on my shoulders lighter and instantly relaxes me when I'm under a blanket in bed watching something funny. Try finding a show or movie that makes you smile or laugh. Besides, laughter is always the best medicine.

5) Reading

https://www.pexels.com/photo/opened-book-near-ceramic-mug-176103/

This seems like the most obvious way to relax, and that's because it really works. When you read you get to escape your reality and experience a new one. It allows you to leave your troubles behind and relax. Try to find a single book that you can read over and over so you can always have it to help relax you when you need it.

6) Coloring

This is a trend that went viral recently and stores began selling adult coloring books. They are usually very complex pictures to color, so it is tedious and calming. It allows you to be creative and take your time on something you get to create. I have multiple coloring books and nothing helps me zone out and forget my problems more than when I'm coloring.

7) Going To The Store

If you are broke like me, then retail therapy really isn't an option. So whenever my friends and I are stressed or bored we like to go to store together. We will choose crazy outfits for each other and try stuff on. It's a fun and cheap way to be with your friends and relax. You don't even have to buy anything!

8) Facetime

https://pixabay.com/en/smartphone-woman-girl-iphone-982563/

Sometimes just venting to your friends about what's going on just helps you to relax. Laughing together, sharing stories, and venting are all great ways for both of you to relax! Going to different schools is challenging but technology makes it so your friends are never far. Get on your phone right now and facetime someone! You will both feel better!

9) Stretching

I can barely touch my toes, but I know that when I stretch out my muscles it helps release tension and relax. You can always look up different stretches if you don't know a lot. No one is expecting to be able to do yoga, but just getting your blood flowing and the tension released will make you feel so much better.

10) ASMR

https://stocksnap.io/photo/GHFULOSCA1

I know for sure that I am being judged for this one. You should know that there are many types of ASMR and I don't listen to the videos of people eating, there are more types of videos. This puts me to sleep every night because it is so calming and it shuts my brain off. Before you say it's creepy and weird, just try finding a type of ASMR you like because that calms me more than anything else in the world.

Again, this is just my list of things that I do to relax. It may not work for everyone and I can't promise anything, but it never hurts to try. As the year goes on remember to take time for yourself when you are stressed and just relax for a little while, it will help make your life that much better!