Back in elementary school, I had a teacher compare the summer months to the weekend, and it could not be truer. June is a Friday, full of promising and exciting plans. The summer is stretched out and seems to be endless. July is a Saturday, buzzing with fun trips, activities, and work. It's busy but satisfying. August is comparable to a Sunday. It starts off peaceful, but by the end, all you can think about is the upcoming week.
And like a new week, a new and daunting semester comes out of nowhere.
The new school year is overwhelming in both good and bad ways. On the bright side, school gives students a chance to reconnect with friends, find new passions, and stimulate their minds. On the other hand, with school comes stress. Students often times find themselves pulling too many all nighters, drinking too much coffee, and having too many breakdowns.
Here are 25 ways to help reduce your stress this semester:
1. Listen to music
You can search for some relaxing playlists on Spotify, or play your favorite artists to lift your spirits. My favorite playlist to listen to while I'm studying is Spotify's "Relax & Unwind" mix.
2. Write
Try to practice positivity in your everyday life. You can write down things you like about yourself, what you're thankful for, or goals you hope to accomplish. If you don't want to journal or write out full sentences, it can help to jot down your reasons for being stressed.
3. Draw or color
About a year or so ago, "adult" coloring books became popular. Yes, I caved and bought one, but it ended up being a useful purchase. Whether you're a talented artist or not, doodling or coloring can help take your mind off of stressors.
4. Drink more tea and less coffee
If you're a coffee addict, I completely understand how offensive this one may be. However, I found that limiting my multiple cups of coffee throughout the day to just one cup in the morning made me significantly less anxious. If you don't drink coffee, a cup of green tea is also really beneficial. Other kinds, such as chamomile or mint, are really calming before bed.
5. Stay hydrated
The benefits of drinking water include (but are not limited to): body temperature regulation, clearer skin, increased energy levels, better focus, and better digestion.
6. Cook or bake
Food solves everything...
7. Exercise and meditate
When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which gives you that euphoric feeling or runner's high. Some people swear by yoga or meditation.
8. Stretch every morning
Your muscles can tighten in just 24 hours, so make sure you stretch each day to relieve tension and keep your blood flowing.
9. Watch Netflix or read a good book
Sometimes, stress can interfere with your work performance. Don't be afraid to take a break and watch a few episodes of your favorite show or read a few chapters of your new book to take your mind off of things.
10. Learn to prioritize
When you're studying or making lists, remember to start with the most important subjects.
11. Keep your space clean
Organizing your desk, cleaning your closet, and washing your sheets are simple ways to clean and reduce your stress.
12. Take naps
Sleep is vital for your mental well-being. If you're not getting enough during the night, try to make time during the day.
13. Plan your outfits ahead of time
If you constantly oversleep or feel like you often run late for class, try to lay out your outfits at night. This idea also applies if you have a special event. You don't want to be stressed the night of.
14. Have a spa day
If you want to save money, you could give yourself a manicure at home, or look up recipes for homemade face masks.
15. Go shopping
Retail therapy is definitely a thing.
16. Play with animals
Most schools have therapy dogs on campus, but you could also take a trip to a local shelter for the afternoon.
17. Spend time outside
If the weather is nice, the options are endless. You could read in a hammock, do your homework in the grass, go for a walk, or eat lunch outside.
18. Buy some plants or flowers
Treat yourself and bring some of the outdoors into your shoebox of a dorm or apartment.
19. Call friends and family
No one knows you better than your own friends and family. If you're stressed, sometimes laughing is the best medicine.
20. Ask for help
If your stress is directly related to an upcoming exam or anything regarding a certain class, definitely go to office hours or guided study groups.
21. Practice aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of natural or essential oils to help a person's well-being. Some common scents that are known to relieve stress are lavender, peppermint, lemon, and rosemary. You could also light a few candles.
22. Go for a drive
This one varies for everyone, but scenic drives with the windows down or the radio up can be very therapeutic.
23. Learn to say no to plans
It's hard to turn down invites to parties, lunch or group hangouts, but if you already know that you're overwhelmed, it's OK to pass up certain events.
24. Turn off your phone
When you're working at your desk and you see your phone light up, it's too tempting, you always end up looking.
25. Reflect
At the end of each day, be proud of what you accomplished. On the reverse, reflect back on what you struggled with or wish you got done. After all, each day gives you the chance to start over and the ability to learn from your mistakes.