There’s no doubt that college is stressful and sometimes it’s hard to find healthy ways to destress from it. While going to a party with your friends may sound fun, you may be doing more harm than good to yourself. Here are some proven ways to relax and not only lower your stress levels, but also improve your overall health.
Take a trip to the beach
No matter what time of the year, the beach is beautiful. Brain scans have shown that when you hear ocean sounds, your prefrontal cortex is activated. This section of the brain is associated with self-reflection and emotion. Opposite of that, the stress hormone cortisol is released when noises such as traffic or gunshots are heard. This can cause a spike in health problems. The ocean’s calming sound has a positive effect on your health by lowering your cortisol levels. Technically it’s healthy to go to the beach!
Take yourself shopping
Shopping gives the brain pleasure and also activates the region associated with dopamine. This is the same region that involves the craving for sex and drugs. While spending money actually causes us stress, the pleasure received from a little retail therapy in some cases outweighs the pain of spending a few bucks. Shopping doesn’t ultimately solve any problems in your life, but it can give you a potential break from all the drama.
Go get your nails done
Being able to pamper yourself helps boost your confidence. YourTango and essie did a survey and found that 33% of women that get their nails done feel confident and 49% feel polished. Picking your nail color gives 35% of women a way to express their personality and 25% a way to express their style. Go boost your confidence and show off your style by making yourself feel like a million bucks and concur the rest of the semester!
Bake something yummy
We all know that stressed spelled backward is desserts, so what better way to destress than to bake? If you’re not ready to put on an apron, head to your local bakery and grab some sweet treats (it’s practically the same thing). Baking stimulates your senses as well which increases the release of endorphins. This activity is also a great way to get your creative juices flowing and express yourself.
Write your heart out
Writing is a great way to get everything you need to say off your chest without anyone hearing it. If your writing on a laptop, you can delete it once you’ve finished. If you keep a journal, the practice is a great way to keep your head clear of minor annoyances. Writing helps you sleep better, makes you smarter, is meditative, and also helps you solve problems.
Go workout
We all know that working out IS healthy for us, even though it may feel like it takes a lot of effort. Working out helps you sleep better at night and slows the aging process of our body. This activity also helps improve your memory and concentration, while strengthening your immune system. To gain these benefits, all you have to do is jump on a treadmill for 20-30 minutes four times a week. Exercise can reduce your stress and anxiety, and is even proven to treat clinical depression.
Color some mandalas
Coloring used to be prescribed by psychologists to adults as a calming tool for relaxation. Adult coloring books can help with stress issues because they calm down a part of the brain called the amygdala. This part of your brain is what controls the fight or flight response which in some cases, can keep a person in a high state of worry and panic while active. Coloring also helps enhance focus and concentration, as well as problem-solving.
Get a massage
Need I say more? Getting a massage is not only a stress reliever, but it also improves the function of your immune system. This happens through stimulation of the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is responsible for getting rid of toxins, debris, and other waste from your body. Massages also increase circulation which also improves the condition of your skin. After enough sessions, you can even say goodbye to some of your stretch marks!
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/brain-shopping-spree/story?id=30287441
http://www.yourtango.com/2015279176/why-you-need-drop-everything-and-get-your-nails-done-now
http://www.livestrong.com/article/115707-massage-therapy-good/
http://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness_top_ten/25b_fitness_list.html
http://theskooloflife.com/wordpress/10-ways-that-writing-can-help-you-de-stress/
http://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-reasons-baking-good-for-mental-health