Stress is inevitable. Sometimes we have one aspect of our life that is causing us stress and some days it may feel like every aspect of our life is contributing to our stress. How do we handle those days when we feel that nothing is going right and our stress level is too much to handle? It is important to take each day as it comes and to focus on what is important. Sometimes when too many things accumulate on our plate, it can make our whole life feel as if its falling apart. However, sometimes we need to de-stress, reanalyze the situation and figure out the sources or sources of our stress. As Johnny Depp once said, “Breathe. It’s only a bad day, not a bad life.” Here are 14 tips to help you reassess your situation, de-stress and make it through the tough days.
1. Take a deep breath.
Sometimes we get so caught up in our stress that we begin to overanalyze and overreact in every situation. So, take a deep breath, step back, and determine what is causing you to feel stressed out. Maybe it is the big exam on Friday, a fight with your significant other, or a tough math assignment. Once you know exactly what is causing your unhappy mood, you can begin to deal with it.
2. Make a list.
When you feel that your whole life is a mess or that your problems are never-ending, make a list of what is causing your stress. As you make this list, you may realize that you do not have as many problems as you originally thought. This can help to put things into perspective and help you realize what is truly causing you to feel so lousy.
3. Plan your day.
In college, there are days where you have so many things to accomplish that it seems as if you will never get it all done. However, make a list of everything you need to do that day and cross off things as you complete them. You may be surprised about how just making a simple list puts your mind at ease and helps you to conquer all your responsibilities, as college students that can be a lot.
4. Take a break.
Whenever you feel your stress level getting higher and higher, like when studying for your first exam in each class, sometimes it is best to stop what you are doing. A break might be the key to putting your thoughts at ease and being able to return to your work or activity refreshed and refocused. Sometimes a 10 minute break is all that you may need or maybe a two hour break would work better. Watch a Netflix show, take a walk or talk with a friend.
5. Call someone.
Talking to someone you are close with can help you to relax. Call your mom, your best friend from home or even a sibling. Maybe they can help you reason through your stress or get your mind off your bad day.
6. Hangout with friends.
Spending time with the people you love might be just what you need to get through the day. Your friends may be having a bad day too. Sometimes it helps to know others are going through the same thing as you. If not, maybe they have some tips to help you de-stress and improve your mood. 7. Exercise.
Running, yoga, or even lifting at the gym can release endorphins that give you happy thoughts and decrease stress levels. For some people, working out when they are the most stressed is the best way to de-stress and improve their mood. A little sweat might help you to get rid of all those bad feelings and of course those dollar slices from Good Fella’s that you ate last Saturday too, which is always a bonus.
8. Listen to music.
Whether you like Drake, Thomas Rhett or a little Beyoncé, listening to music can help you to get your mind off your stress. Uplifting music can improve your mood and leave you feeling relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your day.
9. Draw or paint.
Another way to refocus your mind and relieve some stress may be to color or draw. Even if you aren’t artistic, it might still help you to sketch something or even color in a picture. There are de-stressing coloring books that can be found in Target and Wal-Mart.
10. Aromatherapy candles.
Aromatherapy can help to put your mind at ease. According to Aromatherapy, The Balance and Harmony of Body and Mind, essential oils are “widely believed to stimulate brain function.” There are various types available, such as candles, lotions and even sprays. Just light a candle, sit back and relax for a while. Bath and Body Works just released a new line of aromatherapy fragrances including scents for stress relief, comfort, and happiness.
11. Bake cookies.
A little something sweet is always a good idea. Baking your favorite kind of cookie can be another useful way to de-stress. It gives you time to clear your head, while enjoying a little treat.
12. Read a good book.
College textbooks can be boring, hard to understand and seemingly never-ending. So, find a good book that peeks your interest and take some time out of your day to read and focus on something other than your stressful school work, relationship or job.
13. Write down your thoughts.
When we feel stressed, our minds might be facing with a million thoughts, so take the time to write down what is on your mind. Maybe type it into your notes on your phone or buy a journal specifically for your thoughts. This is a good idea if you do not feel like talking, but need to express your feelings in some way. Writing in a journal can be a useful outlet.
14. Take a drive.
If you have a car on campus, it may help to drive around town listening to the radio. It can help you to take your mind off your stress and concentrate on something else, while belting out the lyrics to your favorite song.