Although it is only the beginning of a new semester, I am already being affected by the stress that college presents students with.
The combination of the cold winter days, the early, dark nights, and the countless number of assignments I must do have made me feel stressed and like I am not taking time to do what I enjoy. I know that it may only be the beginning, but I already feel like I am falling behind. When feeling this way, it may seem easy to let stress get the best of you.
However, simple ways exist for decreasing or eliminating stress; these are some of the ways that I have used!
1. Sit down with your favorite book.
Okay, everyone loves a good story! Find your favorite book, sit down, and read! Not only are you taking time to read something that you enjoy (and not something you’re forced to read because of college), but you’re also relaxing and engaging your mind. Try checking out the most popular books of 2017 for some inspiration if you’re stuck on what to read!
2. Watch your favorite movie.
Most people have a movie that they could watch over and over and over again...try using this to lessen your stress! I know that I am personally someone who loves watching movies, but I haven’t really watched my favorite in a while. One of my goals for next month is to watch at least four of my favorite movies as a way to be comfy and cozy during the cold days.
3. Buy yourself your favorite drink from your local cafe (or Starbucks).
This is something I do ALL the time. I am obsessed with coffee, and even though I don’t like spending money too often, I always feel very special after I buy myself a great iced coffee from Starbucks. Although caffeine may not be the best for stress, I find that this is a way to reduce my stress because I am spending money on myself. Although this may sound a little odd, doing this helps me relax and realize that I deserve to spend money on myself and buy myself something I enjoy, even if it is small like a coffee.
4. Work out!
This is a huge way to reduce stress! There are SO many ways to be active even if you are not the someone who spends hours at the gym every day. Try yoga, do cardio for 30 minutes, or life some weights. Oh, but make sure to stretch! Going to the gym allows me to reduce tension and lets me release the stress that I have been building up all day!
5. Write down what you are thankful for.
One way I have reduced my stress is through reflection. Being able to recall what I love and what the blessings in my life are has helped me reevaluate my life. Sometimes, stress can seem like such a major problem. After actively reflecting on what makes my heart so full, I immediately feel better. Although a stressful situation can feel like the end of the world, it is not everything, and it is not who you are or what your life is.
During these last few weeks of winter, take time to reduce stress. Find what works best for you and your situation. Although I am still a stressed out person, these ways to distress have helped me manage my stress and have helped me in living a more meaningful life.