The start of a new semester can be a very stressful time, especially for new students. Here are my tips to relieve the stress that has been creeping up as the semester gets into full swing.
1. Take a deep breath
In the midst of a stressful moment, it's important to take a moment to stop and just take a deep breath. This will give you a little bit of immediate relief, help to calm you down, and give you some extra time to think over your response.
2. Journal
Estée JanssensJournaling is such a great way to just get your thoughts out of your brain and down on paper. This can really help you work through your stress, and get your thoughts out.
3. Color!
Art Is FunColoring books made for "adults" are the best thing ever. They are so relaxing, and you can make some pretty beautiful and colorful creations!
4. Go outside.
A breath of fresh air can be so helpful when you are feeling overwhelmed. I know that far too often I take nature for granted, and don't really take in my surroundings when I'm walking around outside. So just simply taking a moment outside to appreciate the peace and serenity of nature can be very calming. Plus, if it's sunny, you'll get some Vitamin D which is great for your mood!
5. Take a moment for yourself
upload.wikimedia.orgI know that if you are time stressed, this seems counter-productive. However, sometimes skipping out an event or asking for an extension on an assignment can be worth it in order to carve out some time for yourself. You need it more than you think you do.
6. Talk to a friend
Courtney MyersIt's always helpful to chat with a friend when you're feeling stressed, even if what you talk about has nothing to do with the topic. It can help you get your mind off things, and put your problems into perspective.
7. Work Out
- Exercising is scientifically proven to help reduce stress levels. It releases endorphins, which make you happy, and it helps you physically release stress and tension.
8. Take a step back
PexelsSometimes, you just need to take a moment and attempt to remove yourself from the situation and think about it objectively. Often, if you really think about a situation in the grand scheme of life, it doesn't seem as stressful.
9. Listen to music
Music is a great way to boost your mood, and sometimes even get your feelings out, especially with particularly cathartic songs.
10. Watch some TV
Pexels.comSometimes, you just need a good night of Netflix binging to get your mind off of things. Comedies are especially good, because they boost your mood and are often under 30 minutes per episode, so they don't suck too much of your time and cause more stress.
11. Read a good book
images.pexels.com- Picking up a good book can help you escape your stress by taking you to another world. I also particularly like re-reading books I enjoyed when I was younger, because they bring back positive memories and make me feel happy.
12. Get Professional Help
If you are consistently struggling with stress and feel as though you cannot escape it, it may be time to seek professional help. Seek out resources on your campus. Often, these are free and confidential, and are a great place to start to find the help you need.
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