With the end of the semester approaching, it is easy to get lost in the chaos and fall prey to procrastination. It feels as if everything is going to fall apart at any moment, but you just have to stay strong and know that everybody around you is feeling the exact same way. Here are some easy ways to handle stress and knock this semester out of the park:
1. Breathe
You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to forget this simple remedy for stress. Taking a quick pause in your day by inhaling for three counts and exhaling for three counts can turn your day around.
2. Make a to-do list
Feeling overwhelmed? Like you have too many tasks to do and you don’t know where to start? Get a planner, calendar or plain sheet of paper and write them al down. This gives you a chance to prioritize and approach a project in more manageable "bite-size" chunks.
3. Sleep
My mother refers to sleep as nature’s medicine, but with that being said over-sleeping is also not good for your physical and mental health. The recommended amount for college students is between seven and eight hours of sleep.
4. Eat (and not another donut)
I’m the biggest hypocrite of all when it comes to this tip, but using spices and olive oil can really pump up the flavor of good ole vegetables. Ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs will help you do your best on finals.
5. Calling a friend or family
Take your mind off the stress of school by having a conversation with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. However, don’t make the conversation about your stress; use this time as a chance to take a mental break and enjoy catching up with a friend.
6. Watching a funny movie
Speaking of mental breaks, laughter can cure almost anything. My go-to movie is “She’s the Man” with Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum. Hilarious and you get to look at a shirtless Channing Tatum, what more can you want?
7. Meditation
Even though yoga maybe a little intimidating at first, but you can get the hang of it after only one class! In addition to the benefits for your mental health, it builds strength and flexibility!
8. Gym
Frustrated? It’s finals season so probably… a great way to relieve that tension is taking a class at the gym! Imagine the kickboxing bag is the 10-page essay you have to write and kick the crap out of it.
9. Put your phone away
Scientists say that the human mind actually cannot multi-task; no matter how hard college students try to prove them wrong. Turning your phone on airplane mode or putting it in the other room can encourage you to be more productive, unlike that Facebook video of the adorable puppies.
10. Kick some booty
Only a few weeks left until the freedom of summer, so let's get 'er done! And in the mean time, daydream of lazy days at the beach….
