1.) Keep a gratitude journal.
Often we let the negative aspects of our day overshadow and overwhelm the positive events that occur. Keeping a gratitude journal can allow you to reflect and appreciate details and/or events that you may have thought were minuscule. It also helps you put things into perspective and helps you appreciate the little things you accomplished.
2.) Create a goal board.
My favorite thing to do is make a board of short-term goals to accomplish. I create a column for goals in progress and a column for goals accomplished. When I write down a new goal to achieve, I write about it as if it’s happening in the present tense. For example, if I wanted to achieve good grades, I’d write “I’ve been doing well in all of my classes and am really proud of the grades I’ve earned so far”. Speaking about your goals as if you have already accomplished them or are experiencing them in the present tense can help you culminate the positive emotions that come from it. When you finally accomplish that goal, you can move the paper written with the goal you wanted to achieve to the “accomplished” column. This helps you keep track of all the goals you’ve achieved as well.
3.) Meditate.
This can come in many forms. While I don’t meditate traditionally, I like to cue a zen music playlist and lie in bed and just close my eyes. It helps me reflect and calm my anxious feelings and thoughts.
4.) Talk it out.
This may not be an ideal option for everyone. Some may feel experience greater difficulty expressing emotions but for me personally, I like to talk it out with a third party who can help me put my problems into perspective. Often problems and issues can seem catastrophically more distressing than they actually are due to our biased misconceptions. Putting your problems into perspective through consulting with a friend or another trusted person can help you relieve your stress.
5.) Make your bed.
I know this seems so irrelevant. This was a concept introduced by William McRaven in his book “Make Your Bed” but making your bed can be so impactful. No matter how bad of a day you have, coming home to a clean, made bed can be so good for the mind. Having a clean workspace and room can relieve some of the emotional clutter that could be filling your brain.
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COVID is such a stressful time and on top of that juggling academics during this difficult time can be mentally taxing. These simple tips can help you get through these times and remember, we’re all in this together!