College is a stressful environment. Homework, tests, group projects, roommate conflicts, money problems, friendship troubles, scheduling conflicts, time management issues... The list goes on. Every day is a new opportunity for something stressful to happen, and that's the optimistic point of view. When you leave college, life gets even more stressful, with bills to pay, insurance to obtain, taking care of your own place, caring for spouses, children, or aging parents. Let's face it...no matter what stage of life we're in, there will always be stressors. But that doesn't mean you have to give in. When you're feeling down and out, you need something to pick you back up. You've come to the right place, friend. Here are 18 things you can do to alleviate stress, no matter what's going on in your life.
1. First step: breathe deeply. This is your first line of defense against stress. If breathing doesn't work, you've got to step it up.
2. Spa day! Whether it's at a girls night or a professional facial, it will calm you instantly!
3. Yoga. Nothing compares to a good stretch and a rush of blood to the head.
4. Yoga with your dog.
5. Petting your dog, instantly reducing your blood pressure.
6. Petting your cat. Same principle as dog-petting.
7. Taking a hot shower, particularly at the end of a long day.
8. Solo pizza party. Sharing is overrated.
9. Eating pizza in the shower. The fatty goodness of pizza and the red-sauce-cleansing power of hot water and steam.
10. Listening to music. This one is almost a no-brainer.
11. Dance party with your friends!
12. Dance party in the car!
13. Eat cake.
14. Enjoy a few pieces of candy.
15. Eat yourself into a chocolate coma.
16. Hold a cute baby.
17. Laugh with a baby.
18. And if all else fails, cry like a baby.
Just remember that things will get better. You got this!