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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.

Life gets hectic and whether we like it or not, stress will always be part of it. It is not always a bad thing because the right amount of stress means we are being pushed out of our comfort zones and evolving. However, too much of something is never a good thing. It’s important to find ways to relax and take care of ourselves. Here are 5 simple things you can do to destress from the mess.

Journal

I am sure you have heard so many people talk about journaling and how it has changed their lives. Journaling is a great way to put all the thoughts flying around your head onto paper and it helps you to think more clearly. There are no rules when it comes to it. Brain dumping all your thoughts and feelings can empty your mind and help you see what’s really in front of you.  There are so many different forms of journaling, and you just have to find the right method for you.

Make a List

Sometimes the easiest thing to do when you are stressed is to make a list. Our brains get anxious and frustrated when we subconsciously think about ALL the work we have to get done for the day or week. The best way to approach a list is to make a priority list with the top three tasks you have to accomplish in order to feel like you accomplished something for that day. Then make another list with all the tasks that can get done if you have time after completing the priority list. These tasks can usually be held off for the next day. The point of lists is to create a sense of organization and it helps you to just get started instead of having everything float around in your mind.

Self Care

At the end of a chaotic day, the best way to rejuvenate yourself is self-care. Stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health, and it is important that we take the time to tend to our own needs. Everyone has different ideas when it comes to what self-care means for them. Some people like to go out, some people like to stay in, and some people like to surround themselves with the people they love. The point of self-care is to take care of yourself without feeling guilty. Put on your favorite movie, take a bath, and do your skincare routine.

Read

Reading is a great escape for our minds because it allows us to become part of another world for a few moments. When we read our brains don’t have the option to think about other things in our lives. It helps us to become critical thinkers and grow. There are millions of options to choose from so you can find something that interests you. If you are not a fan of paperback books, audiobooks are amazing too.  

Work out

Working out is a great stress reliever because stimulates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that can put us in a good mood and help us deal with pain or stress. Not only is it good for our mind, but it is also good for our heart too. I understand that many people may feel intimidated going to the gym. There are plenty of at-home workouts that can be found online and YouTube videos to guide you along when saying motivating things.

Hi everyone! I am a student at JMU and I love writing about topics that inspire people to be better people. I am currently a double major in Hospitality Management and WRTC with a minor in business.