It is at that point in the semester where everything is piling on top of each other. Between papers, projects and other activities and commitments, it is no surprise with how quickly you can get stressed out.
I am not the greatest at managing my stress. I save things for the last minute and over commit myself to the point where I am burnt out but have to keep chugging along. The stress that I have been facing lately has been physically starting to affect me with hives, chest pains, and heightened anxiety. Here are 5 tips that I find to help with managing stress:
1. Music
Putting on a nice relaxing playlist Spotify has made or one of your favorite artists can really ease the mind for a couple of minutes and refocus yourself.
2. Yoga/working out
Even just getting up and stretching for a couple of minutes or going run can help. Exercise helps the mind a lot more than people are aware of.
3. Breathing exercises
Stepping away for a minute to breathe in and out can help. We all know square breathing and even just closing your eyes for a couple of seconds can help.
4. Cleaning
Maybe it is just a me thing, but when I get really overwhelmed I like to clean or reorganize. I dust, fold clothes and put them back or move things around. It helps me focus on something other than all the work I have to do.
5. Going outside
When working really starts piling up and I’ve been working for hours, I like going outside and just walking around. We live so close to the beach that even going there for a while and looking at the water can help to elevate some of the stress.