It's post-midterm season, and life has yet to get easier. We're hitting that mid-semester slump, where every day seems to drag on slowly, and everyone's too busy to let their hair down and relax. We sit and wonder if dropping out is possible, if working at McDonald's the next 50 years isn't that bad of a career path. November is a time of infinite possibilities for all aspects of a college student's life. We still have time to save our grades, but if we don't do hot on exams or homework by Thanksgiving, we could be in deep doo-doo.
Stress impacts every aspect of our lives, from relationships to waiting in line for Dunkin when you should really be walking to class. We never relax in college, and I say we change that. Here I have a list of some ideas on how to force yourself to relax, whether it's for five minutes or a whole day. Mental health is ever important at this time, so make sure you take care of yourself first before trying to tackle your busy schedule.
1. Netflix and Chill (on your own)
Don't invite Ned from Tinder over for some quality Netflix and chill because news flash, you're not chilling what so ever. Tell Ned to take a hike, and spend some quality alone time with Netflix. Make some popcorn and binge a few episodes of Grey's that you've been meaning to watch for a while.
2. Make a point to spend some quality time with your person
Take a personal evening and just spend that time lying around like lazy bums. Nothing boosts morale like some late night cuddles and deep (but not too deep) conversations. Order in and just enjoy being with each other, because you know the next day its back to work.
3. Eat some chocolate
Dark chocolate, in particular, lowers the amount of the stress hormone cortisol your body produces and stabilizes metabolism. Now that you have a valid reason to buy that Hershey Bar, get to it and relax!
4. Day dream
Just picture yourself at the beach with your celeb crush (hello Paul Walker) with the wind blowing through your hair lightly, while the sun warms your skin. Daydreaming is an instant mood boost for any time you're feeling stressed.
5. Go to the gym
I know it literally sounds like the opposite of relaxation, but going to the gym allows you to take your mind off of stress and put all of your emotions into working out. A half an hour in the gym will do your mental game and entire body wonders.
6. Listen to music while you take a steamy shower
I highly recommend Heartbreak On A Full Moon, Chris Brown's newest album. I've found that listening to music while I shower relaxes me better than hot water alone does, and makes me focus on singing the words to my new favorite song than the exam I have coming up. Music has a way of helping us when we need it the most, whether it be pumping us up at the gym or relaxing us while we shower.
7. Write
Find an empty notebook and jot down every little thing you feel. Is Alex getting on your last nerve because he's being an ever more terrible texter than usual? Is someone doing something that triggers you beyond belief? Write it down! Writing is one of my favorite ways to force myself to relax. It sets my mind at ease and takes me out of my hectic life for a while.
8. Talk with a close friend
Friends are there for us through it all. Your BFF will be able to help you realize that your overthinking is just that, overthinking. Obviously, he's at work like usual and that's why he sucks at texting at the moment. Regardless of what's stressing you out, talking about it instantly gets it all out of your head, and makes the stress much easier to cope with. Talkative people are proven to be the happiest of people!
9. Laugh
Laughing helps boost your immune system, and, of course, your morale! If you're beginning to feel stressed, take a break and watch some funny videos on YouTube. The one I'm posting below brings me instant laughter every time. If cute videos are more of your forte, just peep some videos of cute puppers, because who can resist a good boy?
