Winter break is inching toward its end, and every college student is awaiting the arrival of the spring semester. While it will be exciting to see all of our friends again after so long, it will also be time to face the stress of constant overwhelming work. But, there are some awesome ways to keep stress at bay so you can get your work done and still feel good!
1. Yoga/Meditation
While yoga may remind you of all the ways that you are not flexible, it has been proven to help reduce stress! Calm breathing and stretching will help to make you feel more relaxed and focused, which will help you when you're writing papers or studying!
2. Reading
Now, I'm sure that the last thing most people will want to do this semester is read when they aren't required to, but hear me out. Reading something, whether it be a book or the wikipedia page for the Zodiac Killer, will help you to feel less overwhelmed. Also, it may help you in the long run!
3. Going to the gym
I'm sure that you've heard this one million times, but going to the gym is really really good for your mental health! It really does release endorphins that help you to be more alert and focused. Additionally, it helps to make you happier! And during finals week, we could all use a little happiness.
4. Smile more!
Since the 80's, psychologists have been working on the "Facial Feedback Hypothesis." This means that your brain actually pays attention to what your body is doing, and it affects your emotions. Because of this, if you smile, you can actually trick your brain into thinking you're happy, and become happier! It's a neat trick.
5. Sleep
Sleep is necessary to help your brain solve problems and process the day you have just had. It is important for a person to have about 8-9 hours of sleep a night in order to give the brain enough time to prepare for the next day. Also, who doesn't love sleep? So go treat yourself to a nap!
Don't stress about the upcoming semester, everything will be just fine! Just keep some tricks in your back pocket for a rainy day, and go get 'em!
