Often students find it impossible to relax; they are constantly worried about the club meeting they have to attend later during the week, applications to finish, leadership positions to maintain, and school is simply just the icing on top of a stressful cake.
Especially during midterm season, balancing a deadly cold, 15 credits, and a social life may seem incredibly overwhelming. In the midst of all this stress, it's important to take time for yourself and simply relax a little bit. I know this may be a foreign concept to some especially high overachievers, so I'm here to offer a few pointers on learning how to force yourself to relax.
1. Take a study break.
Your brain can only be crammed full of so many dates, names, and numbers before it becomes oversaturated and shuts down. Sitting in a secluded niche in the library for seven hours isn't going to benefit you any when your mind is drifting in a million different directions. It's important to get up and take a break when you're studying for long periods of time. Simply standing up, stretching, walking around, and maybe watching a funny youtube video can completely revitalize your mind and body. If you eat something, that can also be beneficial to you because not only will it make you happier, but also will give you a little boost of energy.
2. Take one hour each day to do something you love.
Whether it be reading, watching trash TV, or going for a run, if you reserve a small portion of each day to do something that makes you happy, it will greatly increase your overall state of mind. If you added up all of the time you spend on your phone each day, I guarantee it's probably more than 60 minutes. If you used the time spent on your phone doing something you love for just that small window of time each day, you will be happier and relaxed.
3. Go outside.
Take some time to go outside in the fresh air. Go for a walk, lay in the grass, and relax outside. The fresh air will relax and calm you and help you be less stressed so that you can focus better later on. Spending time outside will be a peaceful break in the midst of lots of work and stress.
4. Take a bath.
I'm a firm believer that a bath can cure just about any problem you may have. Soaking in the warm water will instantly relax your muscles and make you feel better. Something about laying in the tub just melts the worries and stress of the day away, and it is definitely a good way to relax and take your mind off of everything.
Learning how to relax may be a challenge for some, but I promise in the long run your mental health is more important than your A in Chemistry and if you follow these simple tips on how to relax, you will be happier and healthier overall.
