College is a big ball of stress. I know every one of you agree. You forgot about that paper due at midnight. That one teacher still gives pop quizzes even though you along with all of your classmates continue to fail. It just feels like you always have something to do. Well, I can’t finish your assignments for you, but I can tell you a few tips to reduce that stress and become more efficient and productive while maintaining your health. 1. Go for a Walk Sometimes fresh air is exactly what you need. Feeling stressed? Start walking. Listen to some calming music. Don’t think about anything other than the rhythm of your feet. Embrace the scenery. Relax and breathe.
2. Workout For some, working out is the perfect destressing tool. Whether it’s going to the gym and lifting weights, a yoga class or going for a long run, working out is a way to release your stresses through physical activity.
3. Take a Study Break You’ve been studying for 6 hours straight in that back library room. You need a break. Whether your break consists of a single Netflix show, a food break or a simple conversation with another human being, you need breaks every now and then. Getting your mind off the material is a great way to relieve that stress you’re holding onto.
4. Treat Yourself This way of destressing need not to be taken too far. Maybe after a big test that you’ve been studying for all week, you treat yourself to an ice cream cone to relax. Maybe you even go out and buy yourself a new pair of shoes. Whatever works for you, go for it. Incentives are great ways to see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that your stress will soon diminish; however, buying out the whole store because you got 3 right out of 60 on your test is not the best approach, am I right?
5. Pray Probably the best advice I can give is to pray if you are stressed. Spend time with the Lord and tell Him your stresses. The Lord will relieve you of your stresses and relax your mind. One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”
No matter how you destress, remember that it’s important to take time and relax every once and a while! College is stressful, but don’t let it get the best of you.
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