As we settle back in at school for our second semester, all of the responsibilities we have come flooding back. Suddenly we are overwhelmed and stressed out. Here a couple ways to battle the stress and relax during the week!
1) Make Tea
When you are stressed out and feel like you are bordering a mental breakdown, make yourself a cup of tea. This is an easy, quick activity which will give you a couple of minutes to focus on something which is NOT the piles of homework and studying you have. Additional bonus: you get a tasty drink!
2) Take A Hot Shower
Another great way to escape from the work for a few minutes is to take a shower. Showering always allows me to think through stressful situations and gives me time to be quiet and reflective. Plus, you can check this off of your to-do list.
3) Paint Your Nails
For me, this is a crucial one! I hate when I am typing and writing and see that my nails are chipped and look gross. Take a couple of minutes and instead of scrolling through social media, paint your nails. You will feel more put together and happier once you do.
4) Find a Creative Outlet
Whether this is journaling, drawing, singing, etc. find something which makes you genuinely happy. Life is about so much more than just school and stress, so take a few minutes to remind yourself of that by doing something which brings you joy. A five or ten minute break to do something you enjoy will give you more energy when you get back to work.
5) Listen To Relaxing Music
Make a study playlist! Pick classical music or songs which calm you down and help you focus. Your favorite songs which you know every word to will only distract you, so try to pick songs which do not have lyrics. Only play these songs when you are doing homework or studying to indicate to your brain that it is time to focus!
6) Turn Off Your Phone
This is a struggle. Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook messages are constantly sending you notifications across the top of your screen. We all know how distracting phones are, especially when you really are not enthralled with what you are working on. Turn off your phone, for at least an hour, and you will see how much more productive you become!
7) Go To Bed Early
Let’s be real here. When you are swamped with work, the last thing on your mind is going to bed early. We all have been there, planning for how your night of studying will go: from 10:20-10:45 you finish your English, then 10:45-11:45 you work on those ridiculous math problems, followed by two hours of Gov homework, then finish by cramming for your Bio test. Yes, both in high school and college I have endured many late nights trying to fit both homework and extracurricular activities into 24 hours, but at least once or twice a week strive to get to bed before midnight!
I hope these ideas help to battle the back-to-school stress!