Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist and am only writing this from experience. Most of these tips help me personally so I decided to share it.
As online finals, canceled summer plans, and quarantine extensions pile on top of each other, many buffs are probably experiencing anxiety. Thankfully, finals will be over soon! But until then, here are a few things you can do to ground yourself.
- Fill your room with a relaxing scent.
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If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, you can use different aromas to come back to earth. Popular items you can use include candles, wax melts, and essential oil diffusers.
- Have a nighttime routine.
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I definitely do better on a routine. You can wind down at night using tools such as meditation apps or a calming skin care routine. You’ll feel relaxed and probably go to sleep in seconds!
- Turn off your phone for a bit.
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I get it, technology can be super exciting. Social media is honestly a life-saver when you’re quarantining. That being said, life can be really overwhelming right now, and it doesn’t help when your group chat is blowing up your phone.
- Drink some herbal tea.
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Caffeinated teas and coffee are great in the morning but it can make you anxious if you’re sensitive to caffeine. Chamomile tea and peppermint tea are my go-tos right now.
- Use a weighted blanket.
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If you don’t feel grounded, something that stimulates your senses can be helpful. Weighted blankets are awesome if you feel overwhelmed or anxious. You can buy one for cheap online on the Target website
- Get some sensory toys or stress balls!
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Speaking of stimulating your senses, using toys such as slime can really help you come back to earth. Stress balls can relieve your tension when you’re studying for finals or reading the news.
- Zoom call your friends.
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It’s very easy to feel isolated when you’re stuck at home all day. Talking to people you’re used to seeing will get you to socialize more.
If you feel like your stress levels are something you feel out of control of, don’t be afraid to get some help! There are resources such as Counseling and Psychiatric Services that are super helpful. That being said, these are a few ideas that you can use to ground yourself during this chaotic time. I’ll be using them!