With college and life in general constantly throwing us curve balls, it’s important to remember some tricks to stay happy and focused on what is good in life. Sometimes it is easy to let stress take over. There are a lot of important reasons not to let this happen; here are some things to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life:
1. Talk to your friends, your family, and the people you love. They’re the best people in your life.
2. Write it down and get it out. Don't bottle it up!
3. Throw something. Grab a pillow and smack it against the bed. It's okay to be mad sometimes.
4. Smile. Even if you really think you can't, just do it.
5. Snuggle up with a comfy blanket in your pajamas, and pop in a favorite childhood movie.
6. Eat chocolate, cause why not?
7. Shop, shop, shop - just don't blow your bank account. That will make you more sad.
8.Help someone else. Lifting up others lifts up your own spirit too.
9. Exercise. Release what you're bottling up and search for that runner's high. Feeling fit and healthy will also make you feel powerful.
10. Light a candle and just relax. Grab your favorite scent and take some time to chill.
11. Take a nap. You can never go wrong with a nap.
12. Soak in a bubble bath. Try a bath fizzy, too!
13. Read a book or magazine. Escape into another world for a little while.
14. Doodle, color, paint... really all kinds of art are soothing.
15. Stay off social media and turn your phone off. Disconnect yourself for a little bit.
16. Live in the moment and enjoy whatever you are doing in the now.
17. Love your pets, and if you have a dog all of your problems should be solved.
18. Go outside and breath in the fresh air. Do some mediation!
19. And speaking of mediation, do some yoga.
20. Treat your body right and do it a favor - drink a healthy homemade juice or have some fresh berries and yogurt. Junk food is yummy, but make sure you grab a healthy choice to properly fuel your body.
21. Dance around your room to your favorite song and yes you should of course sing the lyrics really loudly. Grab a friend and make them sing too.
22. Hug someone you love. Hugs are wonderful.
23. Go for a swim!
24. Clean up and rearrange your room. Starting fresh and feeling organized is always a plus.
25. Treat yourself. Do something you've always wanted to do. Take a hike and go dip your feet in the river. Try out that cute new cafe down the street. Grab a friend and go vent to them while you eat some frozen yogurt. Just don't wallow, you can make it out of this!
26. Go look up pictures and videos of cute animals or go on Vine. Watching people do dumb things can be a pretty good mood booster.
27. Lay on the floor. Yeah, sometimes it just needs to happen.
There are a lot of things in life that have the power to overwhelm us and cause stress. However, it is crucial that we learn how to handle these situations and find alternative solutions in order to stay sane. Next time everything seems to be going wrong, or you just need to smile, try one (or more) of these things out. You've got this.
