As a high school junior, with lots of classes and worrying about applying to colleges next year, life can get a bit stressful. Every student has experienced extreme stress in some way, some students more than others. Regardless, there are some methods that everyone can use to help manage their stress.
1. Take A Hot Shower
A simple solution that works for many: the hot shower. Taking a hot shower relaxes your muscles and your mind, almost as if you can feel the stress fading away. A shower is effective, but if it's not for you, there are many other ways to de-stress.
2. Go For A Walk
Getting outside to nature and away from everything that is getting you down helps give you a new perspective and allows you to forget about life for a moment. When you return, you return with a new attitude and are more relaxed.
3. Make A List
Making a to-do list can help you organize everything you need to do and make it more manageable, so all that information in your brain can be let go. Without having to keep remembering each specific task, you will feel more free, and paired with the satisfying feeling of crossing off items as you go, you feel much better.
4. Play Some Relaxing Music
Music is another great de-stressor, even when played in the background. I have found that any sort of music, especially calm music, helps me stay on track and keeps me motivated to do my work, while keeping me from getting exceedingly stressed.
5. Swap Coffee Or Another Drink For Water
There are a lot of coffee enthusiasts out there. And energy drink enthusiasts, too, among others. But both of those drinks are stimulants and can contribute to your stressful and overwhelming feelings. Water, on the other hand, has a serene quality and is also good for you.
6. Take A Short Break
My personal favorite solution, a break. A short 5-10 minute break can be effective in taking your mind of a difficult task and helping you relax. Take a minute to stand up, walk around, drink water and come back with a fresh mind. Be careful not to let this turn into procrastination, though.
7. Meditation
I honestly do not like meditation, but it is an effective method of managing stress for many. Deep breathing paired with an empty mind can help for managing any emotion, not just stress. However, meditation is not for everyone.
8. Watch Funny GIFs
Watching funny GIFs is great way of shifting your focus for a moment. Take a moment and laugh out loud, another method of de-stressing. I recommend animals and babies especially for funny GIFs; they contain the best material for laughter.
