Relaxation Tips

Always takes the time to relax and recognize when you’re stressed. Here are some ways you can decompress.

  • Make sure to take a deep breath. (Yes everyone says this but it does help. It brings more oxygen to the brain to help function and clear thinking)
  • Take time for yourself. Find time out of your busy schedule to do something you enjoy or find relaxing. Read, listen to music, watch a TV show, ect.
  • Meditation. Some people look over this option because they find it boring but it really does help. As little as 20 minutes, just sit in a comfortable spot, play meditation music (easy to find on YouTube) and just breathe. Clear your mind and think happy calming thought. I personally like to create my “happy place” in this time. It’s very relaxing
  • Listen to music. Music has many positive effects on the body. Listening to music that you find soothing can lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Such songs that mimic or include sounds of nature like the ocean, the wind, a waterfall, have soothing effects. You can even release aggressive energy by “rocking out” to more upbeat music.
  • Move. Get up and move around. Having anxious or pent up energy just gets worse when you stay still. Moving or exercise releases the nervous energy. If you are not able to get up and move around (ex: sitting in class) fidgeting can also help. Bouncing your leg, moving your foot, even twirling your thumbs.
  • Take up yoga. If you are someone who naturally holds a lot of stressed and tends to always feel stressed consider taking up yoga. Attend a class at a local gym or even your school gym. You can even do yoga in your home but always be careful as incorrect practice can cause injury. There are many different types yoga that you can choose from, find what’s right for you.
  • Download a smartphone app. In the day of technology there are tons of apps you can download onto your phone. There are plenty of relaxation/meditation/destress apps on your app store. For example: Calm, Pacifica, Headspace.
  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep. When you are lacking sleep it is easier to became irritable, overwhelmed, and generally feel stressed out. If you find that your nights are lacking sleep try to change you schedule to allow yourself a longer, better night of sleep.
  • Aromatherapy. Scent cause play apart in how we feel. Scents like spearamint, eucalyptus, and lavender can cause calming effects. Combining certain scents can have different effects. It’s easy to use aromatherapy. You can use oils that you can rub on your body, diffusers to put in your room, and compresses.