With college AP deadlines looming, SAT score angst mounting and finals right around the corner, chances are you’re stressed. Here are a few things you can do to calm yourself down and ease the apprehension.
- Jog it out! Getting regular physical activity works wonders in coping with stress and staying active in winter elevates your mood and reduces anxiety. Stretching your muscles also helps ease tension.
- Guzzle, guzzle, guzzle. Think no coffee will make you wither up and keel over? The truth is those multiple cups of java may just be making you overly twitchy and nervous. So, drink some H2O. But if you can’t break the addiction, change it up by mixing some decaf in there.
- Get outdoors. Plan an outdoor picnic with friends or go for a nature walk. Sunshine can be a real mood enhancer. And yes, even if it’s brisk outside!
- Eat those veggies. When you’re sick, you stress easier so it helps your mood to have good nutrition.
- Get a hobby and pursue it. Allow yourself time to pursue your interests other than school and work. It’s good for you and a good tension reliever.
- Give yourself props. Post motivational quotes or words around. Using daily affirmations will help you feel good about yourself and your mission to ace your academics.
- Escape to tune land. Listening to your favorite music and dancing can keep you happy and feeling fab. And experiments have shown that music can rejuvenate withering plants and animals.
- Put out that butt. While you think that cigarette is relieving stress, it’s actually doing the opposite. Studies have found that minutes after smoking stress level rises and creates greater depression.
- Write and release. Keeping a journal can be very therapeutic for stress sufferers. So open that composition book and write down what you’re feeling and what made you get so frazzled.
- Clear your clutter. Reorganizing your room or working space will help you find things quicker and feel more at ease.
- Chill out. Give yourself a few minutes a day of quiet time. Reflect, meditate or just unwind. If you can soak in a hot bubble bath, do that. Or escape to a quiet room, go outside and breathe in some fresh air. Whatever you need to do to calm you down, do it! You’ll be focused when you get back to your desk.
