With the end of the school year quickly approaching, many students are starting to feel the heat kick up. Studying for finals, applying for summer jobs, and even mentally preparing to move back home are just a few of the little things that are wreaking havoc on so many young minds. College is stressful enough without the added changes in the weather and scheduling. But I’m here to tell you that everything will be okay! I know it seems like the world is bubbling up to your ears and you can barely find time to grab a coffee, let alone calm your nerves — but you’re at the right place! Because just like you, stress is really making itself present in my life, so what better to do than help spread a bit of healthy and fun (yes, dare I say, fun) tips on how to crush your anxiety to dust!
1. Pump up the tunes!
Who doesn’t love music? It is one of the greatest and most sacred past times we humans have enjoyed since we learned what those vibrations were. For millennia we have been using its beautiful tunes to help us feel better and get comfy whenever we were stuck in a dry situation. So it may not come as a shocker, but the best thing I can suggest to all who feel like their wheels are falling off is to turn on your favorite station and jam out! Whether you’re into reggae pop or smooth jazz, blast the speakers with positive vibrations and let those chords carry your worries away. Past quiet hours? Plug in your headphones to get around annoying your roommate! Don’t let those pesky rules limit you from getting some personal therapy from your favorite artist-especially when all you want to do is hear some soulful notes to get you through whatever paper or exam you may be cramming for.
2. Shake. It. Off.
You know the expression “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” right? Well in this case, when there’s music being played, you have to dance! There is nothing better than hearing some groovy tunes and just letting the stress roll off your arms. Now I’m not saying that you have to do the worm or electric slide, but when all of that pressure is pent up inside, popping and locking is a great outlet. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in your room or at a club, anywhere that you can go to release all your stress is the place you want to be! It’s super important that you get all that energy out, it sounds silly to try and plan a time to go out when you’re booked up to the heavens with work—but dear you deserve a break once in a while, and it’ll help you to think more clearly afterwards!
3. Coffee, tea and cookies oh my!
Don’t forget the power of the beverage! Sometimes there is nothing more soothing than a sweet cup of joe to brighten your day. Caffeine can help put that little extra pep in your step when this last leg is starting to take its toll. Late nights and early mornings are somethings we all wish we didn’t have to have accompanied with exam cramming or paper writing, but it happens. Make the most of your academic battle by guzzling down some cozy Starbucks and maybe a muffin or two. It’s the little things that can help improve whatever situation you’re dealing with, and if that tall mocha latte thing puts a smile on your face, it is totally worth it!
4. Sweet, sweet dreams.
I get it, time is crunching down and you barely have time to get to your next class, let alone grab a cat nap. But oh wait, yes you can! So many people think that to have a good nap it has to be at least an hour with plenty of time to fall asleep and wake up and check your news feed in between. But I am here to tell you otherwise. All you really need is about twenty (yes, twenty) minutes of shuteye to refill your battery. If you can slice off a bit of time from Instagram to close your peepers, think of all the energy you can save! I promise the funny memes and selfies will still be there when you wake up, and oh how much more refreshed you’ll feel! Sleep is a beautiful thing and you deserve to let your mind wind down for at least a tiny part of the day. So go ahead, nod off for a bit—if anyone’s judging it’s because they wish they were as lucky as you, my friend!
5. Fly high, my little social butterfly.
With everything going on, the idea of seeing friends is kind of starting to turn sour and sometimes all you want to do is fly off into your own corner of the world, believe me I get it. It’s hard enough to deal with your own problems, let alone console another person. Whatever you do, do not turn to the dark side (aka the empty corner of the dining hall or your isolated room). Friends are good, and we need to remember that during tough times-yes we can all become overbearing and the last thing you want to do is hear about someone else’s problems, but reaching out is a super important strategy on surviving these last few weeks. Space is a peaceful thing to have, make sure that you tell your buddies that it’s something you need, and after you get a handle on everything it’ll be all ‘good in the hood’ once again. While being away from people can be relaxing, don’t push too far off into the distance. Venting and letting everything go can really help you feel like you’re in control—you can also get some great advice from your peers who are probably feeling the same way you are!
Stress affects everyone differently, and the best way to get over it is to always remember that you are in control. You can handle whatever is going on, you’ve come this far and there is no way you’re stopping now! When everything feels like it's going south, put on some tunes, whip and nae nae across the dance floor with your besties, grab a snooze, and drink some yummy coffee. The end is nearing and you’ve got this!
