It’s a little over a month into the semester and I have never felt so stressed out. With work, class, and homework I find myself stressing about when I’ll have time to do everything. I tend to overthink things, which leads to me trying to plan out what I’ll be doing at every second during my week, which then leads to me being even more stressed when I don’t have the time or energy to accomplish those things. In the few moments of free time that I have, there are certain things I can do that help me relax.
Run Errands by Myself
If I have an actual list of things I need to get or places I need to go, great. If not, going to Target or TJ Maxx and just looking around helps me distance myself from the things that are stressing me out. Running errands with other people can be a stress reliever as well but I’ve found that for me, being by myself on these trips relaxes me the most.
Make Lists
I have a list for literally everything in my life. Whether it’s a list of homework I have to do, things I need to buy, things I need to pack (if I’m going home or somewhere else), things I want to buy, or just random things I have to do, I’ve made it. I have a notebook that is completely dedicated to making lists. Even though I’m always making lists, when I’m stressed out it particularly helps me because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and also motivation to complete the things on my list so I can cross them off.
Clean
Cleaning is another thing that gives me a feeling of accomplishment. It’s a good way to take my mind off of what is causing me stress. I’m constantly cleaning out and organizing my desk, vacuuming, and dusting everything in my room. It is a helpful way to focus on something else for a little while and the end result of a clean room always makes me feel better.
Drive
I will admit, usually driving gives me more anxiety than it does calm me down, but there are certain days when driving with my windows down and my music turned up is the most peaceful thing I can imagine. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have anywhere to go, I will just drive around for a while to get my mind off of things.
Watch TV
Simply watching TV, a movie, or a show on Netflix is enough to ease my stress most times. Getting invested in characters and their lives and problems is a good way to help me get away from mine for a little bit. That’s not to say that I should completely ignore my problems, but sometimes it’s okay to take a break from them and become immersed in a fictional world.