As we're creeping up on being midway through the semester and so close to spring break, the stress is piling on. It can get pretty hard to try and manage all of our classes, clubs, jobs and social lives. Rather than letting all of that stress build up, I've found some good ways that, as a college student, you can relieve your stress.
1. Get enough sleep.
I know that when you have 20-plus things to do, sleep is the last thing on your mind. But it's important that, no matter what, you get enough sleep and are well-rested. Even if the stress doesn't go away, enough sleep will help you deal with everything on your plate.
2. Listen to music.
Sometimes listening to your favorite song just makes you feel better. If that doesn't help, try listening to some classical music to help you calm down.
3. Eat healthy.
Trust me, your body will thank you later. Rather than shoving your face full of whatever you can find, put a little thought into what you're eating. Eating trash won't make your body feel any better.
4. Talk to someone.
You're not alone and you're definitely not the only person to be stressing out about all the things college is throwing at you. Give your best friend or parents a call. Sometimes a simple phone call is all the medicine you need.
5. Exercise.
I know, another one of those things you really do not want to do when you're stressed. This doesn't mean you need to spend hours in the gym. Even just a little exercise will get your blood pumping and release endorphins to put you into a better mood!
6. Laugh.
Watch a funny movie, have someone tell you some jokes or just look up ridiculous things on the internet. Sometimes, it's the little things that can brighten your day. Don't be serious for just a few minutes; laugh a little.
7. Take a break from social media.
Sometimes going on our favorite social media sites not only distract us, but also make us get caught up in everyone else's problems. We are so attached to our phones that they often make our problems worse. So take a break from social media and set down your phone down for an hour or so. As hard as it will be not to check it, hold yourself back. You will feel so much better afterwards.
8. Write.
Now, I don't mean you need to go write down every single feeling you have. But I do think writing down what is bothering you helps get the feelings out. It may not release everything inside, but it will definitely leave you feeling a little bit better than when you started out.
9. Spend some time with an animal.
This may not be the most accessible thing in college, but it definitely helps reduce stress! There's something about petting a happy animal that lets you forget you're stressed for a bit. Plus, who wouldn't want to cuddle up to a furry friend?
10. Identify the good things.
Something I've started this year was a "365 days of happiness" jar. Using this, each day you write down something good that happened or that made you happy. Rather than focusing on all of the stressful things, focus on one happy thing.
11. Just breathe.
Take a few deep breaths and just calm down. Remember that everything you're going through right now won't last forever. You can make it through anything. In the words of All Time Low, "Take a breath and let the rest come easy."
Now just remember, not all of these will work for you. But also remember that you have endless possibilities on the Internet to find things that do work for you. Good luck on midterms; spring break will be here before you know it!
