As someone who constantly struggles with perfection, junior year almost seems like a death sentence. With way too many responsibilities and tasks to complete, I definitely face stress overload on the daily. Sometimes it can seem hard to take time out of an already busy schedule, but giving ourselves a break to de-stress is definitely worth it. It takes less than fifteen minutes to feel calm, relaxed and refreshed. But how do we deal with it?
Well, there is good stress, and then there is bad stress. More often than not, we face the emotional, physical, and mental consequences of the latter. It can completely destroy our will to continue to work hard each day and our desire to stay healthy; however, what's more, is it actually affects the moods of the people around us. So, in order to preserve our strength and the strength of others, we must first identify the root causes of our stress. That way, we can address every single one of them.
If exercise and eating healthy aren't already routine, it is a great idea to integrate them slowly into daily life. Maybe that means taking a short walk around your house, or sitting outside for a few minutes, or biking to the end of the street. Going outside, even briefly, is vital because it allows us to clear our heads; it also boosts our endorphin levels, which in turn reduce our stress hormones. Eating healthy is a huge factor in building confidence in the way we feel. Every night, add some fruits and veggies to your meal. It might feel weird at first, but ending the day on a healthy note is a great way to prepare for tomorrow.
Breathe. Take a moment to turn off your cell-phone, laptop, and any other device calling for your attention. Close your eyes, and just breathe deeply for a minute or two. You could even visualize something, like accomplishing a goal, that would make you feel the most happy.
Time management plays a major role in determining our stress every day. If you're like me and you find it hard to fit everything into one day, try writing a to-do list and putting it in a planner. Allow yourself time in between tasks to relax and breathe. That's key to getting everything done. And, while you work, you could grab your favorite drink to help you along the way. As we get into the cooler months, I love a good cup of warm tea.
And last, but certainly not least, take the time to reflect on each day and each week. Appreciate all of the wonderful things in your life and be proud of yourself for the achievements you've made.
