As most of us college-goers know, college is great. However, it can also be exhausting and incredibly, unbelievably STRESSFUL. If you have a job in addition to your classes... even worse. For me, when I'm not crying hysterically to my cats whilst binge eating Domino's (shout out to college also teaching me how to multi-task), I have several stress-relievers that have proved very useful thus far.
One of the first and most important routines I've picked up is consistently doing yoga and working out. Never really being an athlete, this was somewhat of a hard transition to get into. It was easy to keep going back once I realized how much of an anxiety, anger, and stress-killer it is. Not to mention, you feel great after the gym, and with consistency you'll look great(er) too. Combining the two is perfect- meditation and stretching before the lifting or cardio.
Beside the obvious physical benefits, there are so many mental benefits to this as well. Yoga in particular boosts memory, improves concentration, and can prevent the onset of mental health conditions. It quite literally improves your psychological and mental well-being. Whenever I feel on the verge of an overwhelmed mental breakdown, I know I need to hit the gym ASAP.
In addition to working out and yoga regularly, spending time with friends and family--NOT isolating yourself--helps so much with stress. We're all in the same boat- might as well suffer in each other's company. Even if it's just for a study break, venting to your people about your day can make a world of difference.
Music is the last significant (and obvious) game changer. I think we'd all go crazy without it. I like to combine music with pretty much anything I do. You'd be surprised how stress-free a casual dance party to "Fergalicious" can leave you feeling.
Total detox.
Dealing with stress sucks. However, coping with it doesn't always have to.
