With the new school year starting up next week, there will be many nights where you feel like screaming and giving up on everything because of the mass amount of stress your teachers have happily thrown at you. With other things going on in your life like sports, work, relationships with your friends and family, it's difficult to actually stay 100 percent committed to your school work. When the deadlines hit and the finals begin, you will most likely have a mental breakdown from all the built up stress. But fear no more because here are five ways to relieve your stress.
1. Just Breathe
This may be the easiest and most convenient way to deal with stress. "Take a deep breath" isn't just a saying, it actually works to help you calm down and clear your mind. As cliche as it may sound, meditation is actually very effective. So take a few minutes to sit up, calmly breathe in and out, focusing on nothing but your breathing. The steady breathing oxygenates blood throughout your body, calming you and clearing your mind.
2. Exercise
This may not be everyone's favorite choice, but it is definitely effective. Working out or even going for a run can do so much to clear your mind. Getting active will cause your body to release endorphins making you feel 10x better about yourself, and taking your mind away from anything that may be causing you stress.
3. Go to Your Favorite Places
Whether it's a small coffee shop with a good atmosphere or your favorite park with a beautiful scenery, getting out of your room and breathing in fresh air can make all the difference. Different atmospheres bring different emotions to you, which can help you relieve your stress or simply reduce it.
4. Eat Healthy Food
Often when we are stressed, we tend to indulge in sugary, fattening food. Yes it may taste good for a minute or two, but it will leave you feeling lazy and tired. Try reaching for something that will boost you into getting things done and getting rid of your stress. Vegetables, fish with omega-3 fatty acids, and fruit are always a good choice.
5. Listen to Music
Playing calm, relaxing music can help take your mind of the stress that has been laid out in front of you. Calm music causes the brain t reduce a hormone, called cortisol, that is linked to stress. It also has a positive effect on your mood, and calms you by lowering your blood pressure.
