Silly Little Ways To Relax
As a college student nearing the end of freshman year, it has been a bit of a rough patch. Between striving to work hard and finish strong, while spring fever is in the air, and extracurricular activities, college can be exhausting. However, despite this constant stress, I have found ways to cope. Some of these ways, sleeping, yoga and deep breathing are more common in dealing with stress, but others are a bit more random. This is a list of some of my less obvious coping skills to deal with stress:
ASMR
Which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a newer and innovative way of relaxation. I am really grateful for the friend who introduced me to it at the beginning of the year, because it has been a huge stress-reliever for me this year. ASMR videos are compilations of sounds and images that give the listener “tingles” or a feeling of relaxation. It is a trend that has been steadily growing more and more popular on YouTube, and there are a variety of different artists you can listen to, who make different sorts of relaxing sounds. I also find these videos helpful for going to sleep.
“Fidgets”
I have been someone who worries constantly since a young age. I’m very grateful to my family for dealing with all my anxieties, and especially to my parents, who always gave me different tools to help me relax. This included squishy balls and worry stones. My mother, who is a special Ed teacher, has become especially adept at purchasing different types of these “fidgets.” In reality, you can make a fidget out of almost anything. I really like using the Plato that was given out at Midterm week, but I also have a collection of smooth stones that are relaxing to rub. A friend of mine has a cube with different buttons, and another has moon sand. All of these are helpful, and just touching something like these toys or trinkets is very relaxing, and can keep your anxious body calm.
Dancing
Sadly, I am a bad dancer, but dancing is something that I find especially stress relieving. If I put on some fun songs, whether it be Taylor Swift or the “Hamilton” soundtrack, I find that jumping around and dancing my heart out makes me feel a lot better and less stressed out.
Looking at cute pictures and or watching cute videos
I love babies and animals, so I thoroughly enjoy watching videos of them, and laughing and smiling at how cute they are. If you don’t like babies or animals-that’s okay too! Sometimes watching short clips can get your mind off the stress, and make you laugh and feel better.
All in all, I think there are a lot of different and unique ways to cope with stress, and finding new things to help you relax can be very beneficial!