Now that the summer is over and school has started, we probably all sense the familiar feeling of pressure and stress starting to creep up on us and breathe down our necks. If you’re super stressed, you need to know how to alleviate that stress without breaking the bank. Most of us can’t go get expensive massages or facials, so here are some tips on how to de-stress and treat yo’self in your dorm and around town.
1. Take a hot, steamy shower.
Hot water does wonders on your tight muscles and getting clean can feel like you’re metaphorically washing the stress of the day right down the drain. Throw in some awesome-smelling body wash and you’ll have some aromatherapy, too. Also, don’t forget to play your favorite music while you’re scruba-dub-dubbin.’ Dancing/singing in the shower will definitely make you feel better.
2. Speaking of dancing, have a random dance party in your dorm.
Okay, this might sound weird and maybe a little uncomfortable, but turning up the music (to a reasonable volume) and just shaking the stress off can really lift your mood. Think Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang’s random dance parties on Grey’s Anatomy.
3. Go get a free massage.
“Free massage?” Where?! In the Den, located in the basement of the Magnolia Ballroom right here on campus. There are two awesome massage chairs there that literally give you a full body massage (feet and arms included) and it’s totally free! Also, while you’re there, track someone down to play some shuffleboard. Getting your mind off of what you’re stressed about at least for a little bit is entirely beneficial.
4. Watch a movie and eat some of your favorite snacks.
Whether it’s a rented DVD from the library (they have tons!) or a movie on your Netflix account, watching any kind of movie can help you escape into another world for a little bit. And who doesn’t love snacking? Treat yo’self to something really yummy like chocolate or potato chips (unhealthy, yes, but they don’t call it “treating yo’self” for nothing, okay?).
5. Have a pamper night.
Take a hot shower, do a face mask (you can get cheap, one-time-use face masks at any drugstore), exfoliate, paint your nails, moisturize the heck out of your body so it’s soft and smooth, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. This requires a little more time, so you should schedule your pamper night if you’re a super busy gal. A pamper night will leave you feeling refreshed come morning time (and not to mention super glowy and radiant).
And there you have it, 5 ways to treat yo’self without breaking the bank (because let’s be real, you need to save your money for important things, like school supplies and that killer guac from Barbz.)