It's that time of year again, ladies and gentleman. Eight hours of homework a night, three papers due on the same day and a final presentation that will make or break your grade.
During this end of the semester chaos, it is crucial to find ways to de-stress yourself. In my Health Communication class, one of our end of the semester project is to create a Stress Management campaign. At first, I was stressed out about finding ways to de-stress, but as time went on, it became much easier.
1. Go for a walk.
Although this may sound simple, I can promise you it does make a difference! I love going for a walk and seeing new things that I've never seen before. Going for a walk or a light jog can release endorphins which triggers a positive feeling in your body. And who doesn't want that, right?!
2. Listen to music.
Whenever I'm feeling stressed, I always put on my favorite song and listen to it on repeat until I feel ready to get back to my work. Listening to music when you're stressed is so important because it takes your mind somewhere else. That way, you're not focusing on all the things that are stressing you out!
3. Make a list.
When you are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you have so much on your plate, make a list! If you write down everything that you have to do, it might make you more likely to do it in a timely fashion so you're not cramming to get eight million things done in 45 minutes.
4. DANCE!
Whenever my roommates and I are overwhelmed with the amount of work we have to do, we immediately turn on Spotify and crank up the volume and start dancing! Although the walls are paper thin in our apartment, we don't stop dancing until campus safety is literally knocking on our doors. Whenever we have our own little dance party, I can't stop myself from smiling.
5. Watch a movie.
For this tip, I have to give credit to one of my roommates. Whenever she's stressed or feels that one of us is, she immediately suggests we all sit down and watch a movie. At first, when she suggested this, I was NOT for it. Watching a two hour movie and getting nothing done?! Who would want to do that? However, after trying it, it took my mind off whatever I was stressed about. I began to focus on another world or whatever it was and if I focused on that, the stressors began to melt away.
6. Just breathe.
This one is SO important! It's so important to me actually, I even have the words "just breathe" tattooed on me. Whenever I become stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, I always find myself taking deep breaths. Good air in, bad air out, is what I would always tell myself. Although it seems corny, I guarantee that it works. Whenever I have an exam, I always breathe very deeply right before the test is handed out, trust me, it really helps!
7. Tell yourself you can do this!
Confidence is the key to success. Tell yourself daily that you can get through this finals week, because you and I both know that you can, and you will. The night before an exam is perfect for a pep talk, because you will go to bed thinking positively then wake up rejuvenated and ready to kick this exam's butt!
