These few next weeks are going to be very very stressful with finals coming up. I know I am feeling it already with all the projects and papers I have to turn in before I can even take my finals. So, here are some things you can do to lower your stress levels. Make sure you take a little time out of your day to do some of these.
1. Identify what you have to get done.
Make a "To Do" list with deadlines so you can physically see the assignments and projects you need to get done and when. Even though it might seem like that is just going to add more stress because you are staring at a list of your responsibilities, it actually helps you realize how much time you really need to get everything done. Bottom line: It is a good idea!
2. Designate a period of time strictly for work.
Sort of like a "study hall" time. It will be a little annoying at first, but designating two hours out of your day to do work without any interruptions helps boost your working rhythm and helps get everything on your "To Do" list done.
3. Go for a walk.
Walking lowers stress. Take a little walk, breathe some fresh air, appreciate the nature around you and take your mind off of everything you have to do for a couple minutes. Taking your mind off of your responsibilities for a walk will help you feel better before diving into the all the fun work you need to get done!
4. Drink some tea.
Hot tea will also lower your stress levels and it gives you a greater feeling of relaxation. Plus since most teas contain caffeine it might even give you a boost of energy to do more work afterwards!
5. Listen to music.
Take a study break and listen to some of your favorite songs. Maybe even dance a little, it might help, who knows!
6. Laugh!
Take some time off to be with your friends and just laugh. It helps with the physical effects of stress like fatigue and I’ve heard that a good laugh equals 30 crunches so really laughing = exercising.
7. Go to the gym.
Speaking of exercising, going to the gym produces an endorphin rush that cuts stress out and makes you feel a lot better afterwards. So a trip to the gym is a good, and well worth it trip. I promise!
8. Pet pets.
Not trying to be pushy about pets but like pets are awesome and it is scientifically proven that petting a dog or a cat lowers stress and blood pressure. So yeah, animals are awesome and they help keep you healthy and sane.
9. Talk to a friend.
If you are feeling down and like you are drowning in work, take a step back think about what is going on with you and talk to a friend about it. Talking about what is dragging you down might help you realize how to effectively change it and make it easier and better for you. And while you are talking, get your friend to give you a hug since it reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.
10. Take a nap.
Being stressed with a big workload can affect your sleeping patterns and make you feel more tired than usual so designate some time out of your day for a nice, relaxing nap. When you wake up you will feel better and renewed.
11. Kiss someone.
If you have someone to kiss don’t just go kissing strangers, that is weird. But real talk now, kissing releases chemicals that ease hormones associated with stress, like cortisol. So if you have someone to kiss go ahead and kiss them!
12. Massage!
Last but not least, get a massage if you can. Massages are shown to be beneficial in fighting stress so either get a friend to give you a massage or go to a spa and get a good professional massage.
I hope these 12 tips help you during the next two weeks and make you feel better!
