It’s getting to be that time of the semester- assignments are piling up, final exams are right around the corner, and it’s crunch time to pull up those final grades last minute! Amongst all this chaos, it’s hard to find the time to regain your sanity and relax a bit. Don’t forget that your mental health is essential in finishing up the semester successfully. Also, it’s just important to remember how fabulous you are and take care of yourself. So with that, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ways to de-stress!
1. Have a facemask and movie night with your girls! This is my absolute favorite way to de-stress after a long week. Stay in on a Friday night, or treat yourself to a relaxing night after a big exam. Grab a facemask from a drugstore that looks heavenly, and gather your favorite chick flicks! Currently on Netflix, I would recommend: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, A Cinderella Story, or Crossroads! Yes- Crossroads is the movie where Brittney Spears road trips it with her childhood gal pals! This is the perfect way to laugh and also clean your pores after a stressful week with your best friends.
2. Work out at the gym and use the sauna! Sometimes you just feel really gross when you’re stressed. I also unfortunately tend to stress eat! Grab a friend to be your workout buddy and head to the gym. Let off some steam with a good run and workout. If you’re struggling to find the motivation, find a good workout playlist to get you pumped up and ready! My favorite way to treat myself after a hard workout is a trip to the sauna. Saunas are also great for your body and skin!
3. Have a shopping/spa day! Okay- now I know it’s hard as a broke college student to fund shopping or spa trips. But hey, sometimes it’s essential! Treat yourself to a mani/pedi, and then head over to your favorite stores to do some shopping! Remember it’s okay to occasionally splurge. Maybe pick out a cute workout outfit to make yourself feel a tad less guilty?
4. Coffee and reading! I have to admit- I’m a huge book nerd! I absolutely love reading, and could read 24/7. My favorite thing to do is spend hours at Barnes & Noble picking out new books- and then grabbing some coffee while I read. This is the perfect way to decompress. I love reading for pleasure- and not just reading the books assigned in college. Pick out a book about something that interests you, or just looks good!
5. Take a spontaneous road trip! Grab your people one afternoon- and drive somewhere random. I love to discover new places and take “artsy” pictures with my friends. Find a really cool and unfamiliar spot and have some fun! I think often times the best trips are the unplanned ones. Driving with the windows down and the music loud just appreciating life is pure bliss. This is also the perfect way to deconnect from the world for a little bit- and forget about all the stresses of life!
So, these are just my top 5 favorite ways to de-stress after a long week! Life can get hectic, it’s important to remember to take time out for yourself and relax. Remember that one bad test grade isn’t the end of the world, that things will start to cool off, and that the end of the semester is right around the corner. Don’t beat yourself up- and just appreciate the little things. If you’re struggling to find your sanction, try one of these great de-stressors and treat yourself! Cheers to the end of the semester- and good luck with finals!
(Photo Credits: Amanda Botner)