Even though this is my last semester at Quinnipiac, that doesn’t mean my schedule isn’t packed. I intern two days a week, have a work-study job, write for Her Campus and have a full class load. I also need to make time for studying, homework and a social life (and to breathe)! However, to stay calm, cool, and collected, here are my top five tips:
1. Exercise
Working out really does make you happy! Endorphins are primarily responsible for this. According to HowStuffWorks, “endorphins block pain, but they’re also responsible for our feelings of pleasure. It’s widely believed that these feelings of pleasure exist to let us know when we’ve had enough of a good thing– like food, sex or even companionship– and also to encourage us to go after that good thing in order to feel the associated pleasure.” I try to work out every other day and I always feel less stressed after a session at the gym, or a simple class like yoga!
2. Use a planner
This may sound like an overstatement, but I would be lost without my planner. I write down all of my assignments by day and use sticky notes to keep track of the week. Whenever I complete a task, I put a checkmark next to it or cross through it—nothing makes you feel more accomplished than crossing things off your “To-Do” list. Having a planner is an easy way to stay organized and not have your mind get overwhelmed with the work you’ve been assigned. Plus, there are so many places where you can buy a planner! The Lily Pulitzer ones are cute yet on the pricy side; I bought a pretty one from Target at the beginning of this year for less than half the cost and it gets the job done.
3. Always take some time to do something you enjoy
You’ll go crazy if you don’t spend at least one hour of each day doing something that you enjoy and eases your worries. It can be anything from exercising to simply coloring. In fact, art therapists have said that coloring has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus, or bring about more mindfulness. I have a Tropical World coloring book on my desk that I use and it really does calm me. It brings back those sweet childhood memories. Whatever you enjoy, make sure you make time for it.
4. Call your parents or family members
Whenever I’m stressed, I tend to call home to get advice to help me calm down. This is a good way to take a break from homework or studying as well as catch up on what’s going on at home. I also enjoy calling my grandparents or aunt to talk with them. Making a simple phone call can take your mind off of what’s stressing you and help you regain focus and feel better.
5. Read your favorite book or magazine
I have always enjoyed reading magazines since I was in middle school. Reading about fashion, beauty or Hollywood gossip always calms me down and is a good de-stresser. Getting lost in a book is calming, too! It is always good to take a break from boring readings for classes and read something you actually want to read.
Having a packed schedule can easily overwhelm and stress us out. When you take the time to relax, you won’t lose your sanity. Are there any tips you have for relaxing? Tweet them to us @hercampusqu!