As the semester comes to a close there’s a lot of stress that can come along with it. Everyone is preparing for finals, figuring out next semester plans, and getting ready to travel home for the holidays. I am definitely feeling the stress from the end of the semester, and have found a few ways to manage and reduce my stress. Hopefully these tips can help you deal with any stress you are feeling as we finish up the semester.
I have been loving starting my morning with a guided meditation or simply just staying off my phone for the first 15-30 minutes after I wake up. It helps to start the day off on a calm note and minimize any anxiety about the day ahead. It can be hard to clear your head when you are stressed, but even just trying to ground yourself in the present moment for 5 minutes helps. There are many apps such as Calm and Headspace that offer meditation, or Youtube always has a great free selection.
Exercise is a great stress reliever. How you choose to move your body is up to you, whether it is yoga, spin, or weight-lifting, any movement is good. Take advantage of the Rec center and the free classes offered to us. Exercise is a great way to manage stress and lift your mood. Grab a few friends and go to a workout class for a fun distraction or attend a class alone to take time for yourself. Taking a walk or run outside is another great way to clear your mind, and take advantage of the fall weather to get some fresh air.
Taking time for yourself is one of the most important things I have learned in order to reduce stress. Whether that is making sure you are setting aside time to see friends, do self-care, or do an activity you enjoy. It is easy to have your days controlled by school work and extracurriculars, but we need to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Going for a drive and listening to music, grabbing coffee with a friend, or watching your favorite show are some great mood boosters.
My last piece of advice is to get enough sleep. It can be hard to get 8 hours when you have a ton of work, but sleep is one of the most important things for us. Staying up till 2 a.m. studying might not be as helpful as we think, and going to sleep at a decent time might actually be more helpful. Missing out on sleep can cause anxiety levels to go up, affect your eating, and put you at risk to get sick. I know I feel my best when I am getting enough sleep, and I try to make it one of my top priorities. The end of the semester can put a lot of pressure on a lot of us. I hope some of these tips can help you minimize your stress, and finish the semester strong!
Comments