Like most students, college in general is always keeping me busy. I write this as I procrastinate for three midterms. For me, writing serves as both a passion and a creative outlet to de-stress. The following are other ways I like to practice self-care and avoid too much stress.

1. Early Rising

Wake up early to get a head start on the day. You will feel more productive and have the entire evening to relax.

2. Leave Time For Yourself

Get as much work done during the week so you can spend your weekend freely.

3. Stretch

Rolling your shoulders and extending your arms have a calming effect on your body. You release tension, relaxing the tightened muscles from a long night's rest.

4. Work Out

Getting into the routine of working out can be difficult. Yet, even just walking on an inclined treadmill counts. Running releases endorphins that naturally make you happy, reduce stress, and improve ability to fall asleep. On top of that, you feel a sense of accomplishment.

5. Drink Water

Nothing beats a glass of ice, cold water. Obviously, we need it to live. However, there are so many benefits of always keeping hydrated. It refreshes our state of mind, prevents headaches, and clears up the skin.

6. Take A Hot Shower

It not only feels good but relieves tension Think about all the things you need to do and everything causing you stress, let the water wash it off. As soon as you turn off the water, you move on.

7. Clean

You automatically think of this as a chore. However, something as little as making the bed can help your focus on a task and feel like you have some aspect of your life organized.

8. Keep track of spending

When my high school self got her first debit card, my mom made me keep all of my receipts and calculate my balance. Now that I am responsible for my accounts, I typically just swipe and check it later. However, I often find myself crossing my fingers that I have enough. It is much easier to plan, save, and not worry about having a zero balance before the end of the month.

9. Digital Cleanse

Deleting unnecessary items on phone and computers clear up storage as well as give a sense of organization. Putting it on Do Not Disturb for a few hours also has a tremendous effect on one's productivity.

10. Stop Complaining

You gain nothing from being negative all the time. No one is going to feel sorry for you. You are fully capable of getting stuff done.

11. Take A Step back

You are allowed to have study breaks. Grab a healthy snack and maybe take a quick walk. You will come back to approach your work refreshed and clear-minded.

12. No Phone Before Bed

Scrolling on Instagram and watching videos on YouTube creates a lot of activity in the mind. Often, this is why students have trouble falling asleep. They strain their eyes staring at the harmful blue light emitting from their screen. It damages the eyes and is said to have a negative impact on one's mood.