1. A cup of hot tea
If it's warm out, iced tea works almost just as well. I like to sip it slowly and focus on the flavor. Pretty soon, I'm not as focused on whatever I was worrying about, and I can just enjoy the flavor and feel refreshed.
2. Journal for five to ten minutes
I write about anything — what happened today, a funny story from my childhood, random pontification, or even just doodle. It may not take all my stress away but it is a quick way to take a break and relax.
3. Take some deep breaths
Close your eyes. Focus for a few breaths on your breathing pattern—don't count them or control them, just feel the air going in and out. After a couple breaths like this, focus on breathing in as deeply as possible. Hold the breath for a beat. Breathe out as slowly as you can. Repeat this process for three deep breaths, and then open your eyes. This works to relax in a moment of stress or anger, or to focus your mind before you begin a new or difficult task.
4. Listen to an old favorite song
If I need to unwind on a tight schedule, one of my favorite ways is to listen to an old favorite song. This could be on my bed in my room or with headphones while I walk to my next class. Either way, often the song will bring back memories and remind me of a simpler time. It takes my mind away from the present for three to five minutes and lets me sing along in my head without worrying about anything.
5. Wash your face
Sometimes a splash of warm water and a clean feeling helps me feel more mentally prepared for whatever is up next on my schedule. Even just getting my face wet for a moment wakes me up and rejuvenates my motivation.
6. Ten-minute power nap
I didn't believe in naps until this past month. Even a ten-minute nap can work wonders. If you're struggling to keep your eyes open, to focus on a task, or if you're just feeling sad, set a timer for ten minutes, lay down, and close your eyes. Hopefully, you'll fall asleep but even if you don't, resting is almost as good. When the timer goes off, if you still feel groggy, remember that standing up, stretching, and drinking some cold water will get your body moving and then you'll feel the effect of the nap.
7. Stretch
If I am tired, antsy, bored of my homework, etc., I often stand up and stretch. I start with both arms above my head, bend to each side, go up on tiptoes, and then reach down to my feet.
8. Write a letter
If you have a little bit of spare time and need to unwind, write a letter to a friend or loved one. It can be short and it may feel trivial, but it takes your mind off the day-to-day mundanity and lets you think about someone else.
