After a long week in the life of a college student, whether that be tests, projects, or just the general drain you get after a week of class, it is important to unwind and take time for yourself. I tend to put this off until my anxiety is at an all-time high, but working on it on a weekly basis helps lessen the burden of college life. When I feel particularly drained there are five things I must do to calm myself down.
- Journal
I have always journaled, but more often since I have come to college. It is helpful to get all of the unhelpful thoughts all down in one place and out of my brain.
2. Yoga
This is a new thing for me, but so far it has really helped. I find that focusing on my body instead of my thoughts helps clear my head.
3. Deep breathing/meditation
This never fails to calm me down in a moment of panic. I sit and I monitor my breathing, counting to six as I breath in and six again as I breathe out.
4. Talk it out
Most of the time I am worried that I will burden people with my anxious thoughts, but I have found several friends that are always there to listen when I really need to rant.
5. Focus on myself instead of school
On the weekends, unless I have a big assignment or a test early the next week, I try to focus on what I need instead of the impending school work for the rest of the semester. This helps me separate school from my personal life and it pushes me to have fun when I can.