Everyone knows the feeling: syllabus week is behind you, and you're beginning to feel the pressure of the semester set in. Assignment due dates are creeping up, organizations are in full swing, and you're squeezing in as many hours as you can at work. Oy.
It's easy to drain your batteries when you're running from one thing to another, so here are a few easy ways to relax—without taking up much of your nonexistent time.
1. Do something that makes you happy
It's almost unbelievable how many days we spend doing things that don't make us happy. They don't make us unhappy, per se, but...you know. Do something that will give you just a little bit of joy: take a selfie, paint your nails, do something fun.
2. Call a friend
Whether it's a friend you haven't spoken to in a while or one you saw five minutes ago, there's something undeniably therapeutic about hearing the voice of a loved one.
3. Wash your face
It will take about five minutes, and it will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your next task.
4. Drink a cup of coffee or tea (and enjoy it)
That means no checking emails, Facebook, Instagram, or any other notifications. Just brew yourself a cuppa and savor every sip.
5. Exercise
It doesn't have to be a two hour gym session; just do a few jumping jacks or take a quick walk. Get your body moving, and you'll feel reinvigorated before you know it.
6. Take a shower
You have to anyway, so why not let yourself relax while you do it? Treat yourself to a new body wash or sugar scrub, and wash away some of your stress.
7. Meditate
Meditation sounds like something that requires a lot of prep and just the right place, but it isn't. There are a ton of free guided meditation apps that offer short (we're talking ten minutes or so) meditations. You can easily squeeze that into your day—just bring a pair of headphones with you, and find some zen in between classes, at work, or before a meeting.
8. Play a game
Whether it's a board game with friends or a game on your phone (I know there are still some Candy Crush fanatics out there), playing a game can be a great break for your brain. Let it rest with a bit of fun.
9. Read something
It doesn't have to be Tolstoy—just pick something that interests you and read it. Go for the latest bestseller or your favorite magazine. Learn more about something that interests you. Read a story that you enjoy. Whatever helps you unwind.
10. Take a dance break
Pick a song, crank it up, and let your moves loose. From a quick jam session in your car to a full-blown dance party in the comfort of your home, the pairing of good tunes and physical movement is a magical one.
11. Do something for someone else
Pick up an extra cup of coffee and deliver it to a friend. Order an extra side of fries at lunch and deliver it to someone who looks just as stressed as you are. Hold the door for someone. Help someone who looks lost. Connecting with those around you will help you remember that no matter how stressed you feel right now, everyone around you is living a life, too. Though your stress might be weighing you down, it will be refreshing to focus on someone else and possibly help alleviate some of their stress.
All of these tasks are totally doable, even for the busiest of people—try to fit in one of these activities every day, and you'll find yourself living a happier and more relaxed life.
