With midterms behind us, the remainder of the semester can look daunting and stressful. It can be easy to get caught up in the “pre-finals” chaos and become extremely overwhelmed. It’s always one thing after another: quizzes, exams, homework assignments, clubs, work, social obligations- how are we supposed to fit it all in and find time for ourselves? It is vital, in order to maintain your mental health and a relatively stable life, to develop coping mechanisms for stress. These all revolve around taking just a few minutes out of your hectic day in order to help yourself. Here are some healthy habits worth adopting:
1. Clean.
My favorite way to deal with stress is to declutter, organize and clean my room. It's easier to process your thoughts when your environment is fresh.
2. Cook.
Make a healthy snack or bake some desserts for your friends!
3. Plan.
Buy yourself an agenda and go through all of your syllabi. This helps you keep track of what’s coming up so you can prioritize and delegate.
4. Meditate.
You don’t need to go out and purchase a yoga mat, but try sitting down and counting your breath until you feel your heart rate slowing down.
5. Work out.
Instead of slowing your heart rate, make it jump! Try going on a run or hitting some weights.
6. Call a friend.
Sometimes all we need is for someone to listen to our feelings. Try talking to someone you trust and get their opinion on your cause of stress.
7. Watch Netflix.
A light-hearted and funny episode of "Friends" is sometimes all I need in order to feel more grounded.
8. Take a bath.
Break out that Lush bath bomb you've been saving up for a special occasion and relax in the tub!
9. Write.
It helps to get all of your genuine thoughts out on paper when there's no one to limit or judge your concerns.
It can be easy to succumb to stress, especially during the end of a semester. You have to learn to make time for yourself. By adopting healthy coping mechanisms for stress, you can prevent yourself from burning out and kick butt the rest of the semester!
