Everyone deals with varying amounts of stress whether it be from school, work, or just unexpected life events. For me, taking a day (or a few) out of my week to focus on myself and mental well-being is crucial for my success in all aspects of my life. Self-care is something that needs to be implemented in your weekly routine too. Whether it be an hour every day or one day out of the week here a few of my tips that help me healthily cope with stress.
Taking walks:
Currently, we are all enrolled in Zoom University, sitting at our computers and not speed walking to class as I use to. So, the best way to stay a little active and an easy thing you can do between or after classes to clear your mind is to take a little 5-10-minute walk. That can be a walk around your neighborhood or apartment complex, a walk to your mailbox, or like me a walk to the fridge, if I’m being honest.
Exercise:
Take some time out of your day and spend a little time exercising to clear your mind as well. 30 minutes of cardio, a workout video, taking a socially distance workout class or lifting some weights. 2020 has been tough on me and has had me completely restart my fitness journey due to weight gain. I love lifting weights, but quarantine made my cutting season into a bulking season and now I am focused on more cardio. I have learned to … tolerate cardio. I do love how my head feels clear after I do 30 minutes of intense cardio.
Listen to music:
Listening to music is one of my favorite things to do, but recently I have not been listening to music as much. When I use to walk to classes, drive to classes, study in the library, or ride the bus on campus I would always listen to music. It would comfort me and clear my mind. Now I usually listen to music when I do my makeup and get ready for special events. I notice when I listen to music in between my assignments I do not feel as stressed as when I just do them one after another.
This includes taking walks, watching a quick YouTube video, do a face mask, or even doing meditation or breathing exercises. I love these things because they all take your mind off of work and thoroughly help you relax. Throwing on a 10-15-minute YouTube video is one thing I do almost every time I sit down a study or do homework. Also, popping on a face mask is great to take your mind off of things. Most face masks range from 10-15-minutes and give you an ample amount of time to sit and relax between assignments. Also, meditation and breathing exercises are a quick way to help relieve some stress quickly. If you are on a time crunch like an assignment due at 11:59 I’d say meditation and breathing exercises are the way to go.
Talk to someone:
Sometimes little things like taking a walk, exercise, music, or study breaks cannot always solve stress issues. I encourage you to talk to someone whether that be a friend, a family member, or a professional to help you feel safe during such crazy and stressful times.