When school starts I start feeling more stressed than ever: Papers, readings, projects — as the days go on, the more stressful it gets. There are some ways I practice self-care and de-stress when stressed.
Exercising
I remember hating when people told me that going to the gym would help with stress and anxiety. I remember making a million excuses as to why I didn't have time to workout or why I just needed to go home and get my homework done. But the truth is most of my day I am sitting down, and it enhances my stress. When I began going to gym, and or, exercising at home, I felt less stressed. I was finally getting up and shaking off the stress of the day. There are some days I can't go to the gym because the amount of work I have is overwhelming, but when I go on a school night I try to workout at least for 40 minutes, which is probably the time I would have spent procrastinating at home.
Stretching before bed
This is one of the most underrated techniques. Before exams, finals, and midterms these stretches really help me to not only go to bed but to feel relaxed and relieved for my backaches.
Take time out for yourself
I always feel guilty when I take out some time for myself. My assignments are always in the back of my head. That is why I have designated Friday to be my non-homework day. This is the day I'll go out to eat with my friends, watch a movie or drink some wine.
From working and going to school there isn't a time where I'm not stressed. These are the ways that help me with my anxiety.