1. Drive around and sing loudly to your favorite songs
Believe it or not, belting out your favorite songs can be very therapeutic. Whether it be the Hamilton soundtrack, classic Taylor Swift throwbacks, or Drake, music really has a way of getting your mind off of things.
2. Work out
I know, I know. Working out? Who wants to do that right?
It is actually a very effective stress and anxiety reliever. While relieving stress you are also building muscle and helping yourself become an overall healthier person. For an hour or so, working out gives you the power to forget about your worries and focus on bettering yourself.
3. Go see a movie
This is one of my favorites. Most movie theaters provide a student discount on movies which makes it a fun and affordable activity to do when you're feeling overwhelmed. For two hours you get the opportunity to lose yourself in a plot that doesn't involve yourself and you get to eat the crazy addictive movie theater popcorn!
4. Go home for the weekend
This has been the most effective for me. Sometimes college can get extremely overwhelming and living in a different city than your family can get tough. Try to do your homework ahead of time so you can plan a stress-free weekend to go and visit your family. You can sleep in your old bed, have some quality time with your favorites, and eat those home-cooked meals you've been missing so much!
5. Read a book
Again, this is a relaxing way to lose yourself in someone else's story. Read a book you already own but never read, re-read your favorite novel, or take a trip to your local bookstore and pick out a brand new one (this always gets me
excited to read)!!!
6. Bake your favorite dessert
Baking and cooking really help me when I am feeling overwhelmed. You're too focused on each step of the baking process to be concerned with anything else. Try this with a friend and play your favorite jams. I like to (or at least try to) recreate those fun Tasty videos. You'll either create a masterpiece or a disaster but you'll have a story to tell either way.
7. Take a shower
I read something the other day that suggested that when you're taking a shower you should envision all of the stress, worries, anger, and sadness from your day washing away with the water.
As the popular band The 1975 once said, "Get in the shower if it all goes wrong."
8. Take a bath
If you're not a shower person, take a bath. Light some candles, throw in your favorite bath bomb, and let the warmth of the bath soothe your worries. Stay in there until your feeling somewhat less overwhelmed. Your hands may look like giant raisins but it will be worth it!
9. Talk to a loved one
I like to call my mom when I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. She can make me feel so much better even by telling me things that I already know like "it's going to be okay" and "it's not the end of the world if you don't get ____ done." It can be anyone; a friend, a parent, or even a counselor. Sometimes it just feels better to speak your feelings and daily concerns out loud.
10. Make a list and a plan
When you feel like you have a million things to do, write it down. Most times it is a shorter list than you think. And if it is just as long and stressful as it is in your mind, sit down and create a plan of how and when you can cross things off of your list. It will make you feel like you have more control over the situation than you did when it was all a jumbled mess in your mind.
11. Get crafty
It's a fun and creative way of relieving stress. Look on Pinterest for a craft or project you've always wanted to complete. This will get your mind off of things for a few hours and leave you with a cute new item that you can gift or keep for yourself!
Also, yes there are adult coloring books and yes they are awesome!!!
12. Clean your room
I know, yet another thing that people dread doing. College makes it hard to keep your room clean. THERE'S NO TIME. Set aside 30 minutes you would've spent watching Netflix that night and get to cleaning. Make it interesting by playing your favorite music and lighting a few candles. A clean room can instantly make you feel like you have your life together and can motivate you to be more productive. By doing this, you are most likely eliminating one of the things that caused you to feel overwhelmed in the first place.
13. Watch your favorite Netflix show
I mean, enough said. NETFLIX IS LIFE!
