The college years: although the most fun years of your life, some of the most stressful years as well. The beginning of the school year is one of the most stressful times of the year. Giving your two-weeks notice at the end of your summer jobs, moving into new dorms, apartments, or houses, the stress of new college classes and clubs or sports...the list goes on and on.
So what can you do to help de-stress? Let me share with you some of the most helpful ways I have found to eliminate stress and live with your free summer vibes even during the school year:
1. Make time for yourself!
It's easy to get wrapped up in school work and playing with friends, but make sure you have alone time (even if you think you don't like alone time!!) Personally, I find the best time to make time for myself is in the morning, which brings me to the next point...
2. Wake up early!
Not only is life way too short to sleep in too late (although of course sometimes it's good for you) but if you're up an hour earlier you live an hour longer! So maybe on weekdays before class wake up more than 10 minutes before you have to head out the door. Wake up an hour before, stretch or meditate for 10 minutes after waking up, and go chug some water, and make sure you have enough time to make a good breakfast!
3. Work out
Although it's not everyones favorite thing, working out can help so much with eliminating stress! If you have time, go hit the gym or go for a quick run. If you don't have a lot of time, it's easy to do a quick ab workout in your room, or take the dog for a walk! Even as simple as doing some jumping jacks in the morning just to get your blood moving can help you feel a lot better.
4. Stop worrying about what other people think!
This is probably the most important and effective way to eliminate stress and anxiety in your life. Although it may be the hardest, it is essential in life to only worry about the things that are affecting you and not affecting other people! You have one life to live-- you have to live it for you! So stop worrying about how others perceive you and only focus on how you perceive yourself. If other people have a problem with you — it's time to let them go and stick with the people who love you no matter what!
So this school year, focus on you. Do what makes you happy and what will make you succeed — and maybe these tips can help you along the way!
