Back to school is a stressful time for everyone. Whether you’re a freshman and starting a whole new journey, or you’re a junior who feels like you’re just stuck in the middle, I’m sure you’ve already felt a moment or two of overwhelming stress this semester. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that’s going to just disappear any time soon, but that doesn’t mean it needs to control your life. There are plenty of ways to tell your stress to “beat it” so that you can be free to enjoy living your life.
1. Talk it out
Sometimes it just feels good to get things off your chest. Pick a friend and let them hear all about the ten-page paper you were assigned on the second day, your professor who you can’t seem to understand and the quiz that you’ve already managed to fail. You’ll feel a lot better having someone to sort through your struggles with, and sometimes your friends are able to give some pretty good advice. (Just make sure you’re ready for them to talk your ear off another day).
2. Go to the gym
Exercise is a great way to get your mind off of whatever’s stressing you out. It also releases endorphins in your brain, which just makes you feel better all-around. Another little secret of mine is that if you’re working out on a treadmill or something that has a display, you can prop your phone up and watch Netflix while you’re there. That way you’re not only distracted, but entertained and you don’t have to feel guilty about your guilty pleasure!
3. Journal
Journaling is probably my number-one stress relief technique and something I try to do every night. For me this means looking to God’s word and asking Him to help me out with my struggles. If that isn’t your speed, use your journal as a way to get out all your feelings from the day. Your journal will never judge you for or complain about your rants.
4. Take a coffee break
Sometimes all you need is to just walk away for a little bit. Take half-an-hour and go enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea). If you’re really pressed for time you can even bring your homework, or whatever you’re working on, along with you. That study guide will look a whole lot better in a new setting and with a cup of coffee beside it.
5. Go to bed early
Everything is worse when you’re tired. Trust me, I know; I’m the queen of tangry (like hangry, but when I’m tired). And let’s be real here, your productivity and knowledge go down significantly the later it gets, so you might as well give your body and brain a break and try again tomorrow.
6. Don’t procrastinate
I know, I know, it’s easier said than done, but watching that movie instead of doing your homework isn’t even going to be enjoyable because you’ll be too busy worrying about everything you need to get done. Instead, try to get as much as you can out of the way when you don’t have anything else important to do. That way, if something more fun than a movie comes along, you’ll have time for it.
7. Get organized
Being organized will make you feel like you have a whole lot more control over your life and you won’t have to be scrambling at the last minute to find things. For me this involves writing down and prioritizing all of my assignments in my planner. It will also help you to stay on track and keep from procrastinating.
Don’t let stress ruin your semester. Life is short, college is shorter, have fun while you can.
