You have five midterms in a week, your professor is talking in another language in your math class, and you have homework due online in less than an hour. Your brain is freaking out. Amid all the craziness, it is important to take care of your mental health. Here are ten tips that help me calm down!
1. Whenever I am stressed, I love going on the Stair Master. I pretend I am Taylor Swift singing at a concert, as she confidently walks up the stage steps. This boosts my confidence while also listening to her awesome music.
2. Blind contour drawings are perfect for calming your mind because you are not focusing on making everything perfect. You focus your gaze on the object that you want to draw, while sketching it out on paper. Don’t lift your hand or take your eyes off the object!
3. I love going to a playground or park. It reminds me of when I was little and did not have a care in the world. Sitting on the swings helps to refocus your attention.
4. Go for a walk and try not to be on your phone. Studies show that our phones spike anxiety levels.
5. Baking or cooking something new is always fun! If you are a fan of Lara Jean Covey, try perfecting that chocolate chip cookie recipe.
6. Organizing and cleaning my room helps a lot. I see my room as a reflection of myself, and sometimes when I am stressed, my room is also “stressed.” Cleaning out the closet or decluttering your desk will refocus your energy.
7. Simply do nothing. I just lay in bed and stare up at the ceiling.
8. Crying also helps-only if you are on the verge of tears. You just need to let it out if you are super stressed.
9. Drinking green tea and reading a book does wonders…except don’t be like me and spill tea all over your book.
10. I love listening to the sound of waves, either from my alarm clock or from YouTube. Breathing along with the waves calms my racing brain.