Just Relax.
Being a college student is stressful. Between school, exams, work, and other daily stresses, it is nearly impossible to avoid stress. Although stress in small doses can be very healthy and even helpful, there comes a certain point for every individual when the stress becomes overwhelming. All too often we take on more than we can handle and push ourselves past our breaking point. Unfortunately, we cannot just stop going to class, or refuse to take shifts at work. Instead, we need to set aside some time to relax. Relaxation is a crucial part of keeping your mind and body healthy, especially when you are under stress. Just in case you forgot how to relax, here are four of my favorite relaxation tips!
Sleep: Sleep is a crucial part of our lives and our health! It is recommended that adults get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. As a college student living in the dorms, I understand how difficult it can be to get this much sleep during the week. Between school, work, and socializing, sleep is easily forgotten. However, the next time you feel overwhelmed, I highly encourage you to get a full eight hours of sleep.
Do what you enjoy: This may sound silly, but way too often we forget to do things just because they make us happy. They might not serve any purpose besides being a source of relaxation, and that is absolutely okay! Do a puzzle, plan a trip, or watch your favorite movie if you know it will make you happy. In the future, remember to do the things you love whenever you are able to.
Go to the gym: Exercise is one of the best ways to relax for so many reasons. Sometimes, physically working off your stress can feel better than anything. It is also a great way to shift your mindset from your stressors to the task at hand. Whether you are lifting weights, doing cardio, or practicing yoga, exercise is a great way to relax your body and mind!
Nothing: Sometimes, the best way to reduce your stress levels is to do nothing at all. Instead, take a nap, watch some T.V. or listen to music. Taking some time to numb your mind is not always a bad thing.
Sometimes, stress hits us hard. Everything can be going smoothly, and then out of nowhere we are hit with a wave of stress. When this happens, remember to take a step back, breathe, and just relax.
|Stay motivated and don’t give up. Amazing things will happen|
Julia O’Connor