Being a full time college student, working two part-time jobs, getting involved in campus and church activities and SOMEHOW trying to get at least six hours of sleep a night is enough to stress out even the toughest of the tough. We've all been there, and if you are a college student you can add on the fact that you might be an overworked athlete, president of the chess club, designated apartment dishwasher, or loaded down with tons of physics homework that doesn't make sense (because lets be honest, when does physics ever make sense?). Stress is bound to happen sometime or another, and with mid-terms and the holiday season just around the corner I thought i'd share some of my stress reducing tips. These are things that work for me and some ideas to help take the stress away a little bit at a time!
1. Do something for you once a day!
I know you might be thinking that adding one more thing to your already crazy schedule sounds like the worst possible solution to cure high stress. And hey, some days I'm lucky if I have time to cook a three minute meal in the microwave. Trust me on this one though, taking even just ten minutes out of your day to do something for you gives you a break from your stress levels. Choose something you love to do, whether it's listening to music, going on a quick run (lets be honest and call it a brisk walk), or sketching. I love to light a candle and write in my journal or read my scriptures for a little bit. Also take some time to remember the people in your life who really matter to you. They know you are busy, but giving your attention and time to those who mean the world to you might just ensure that they stay in your world.
2. Talk it out.
Roommates are amazing. Partly because they pay part of the rent and partly because they are a built in family support group. It's hard to keep stress built up inside. I came home the other day after taking an impossible mid-term exam and vented to my roommate about it for at least five minutes straight. I threw a small pity party and complained about the number of questions, the format of the test, even the font that the test was written in just so that I could continue to find something to nit pick over. After all of my complaining my roommate heard me out and let me just talk through it. I felt so much better! Give it a try and talk about the reasons you are stressed. A good friend will always hear you out no matter what - even if all you are venting about is how distracting the single spaced point eight cursive test font is.:)
3. Write it down, plan it out, divide and conquer.
Ok now it's time to put on your Superman cape and save the world one task at a time. You've got a lot to do and procrastinating won't make that To-Do list disappear. Write down a list of five things you need to get done today. The top three are necessary to complete that day. Focus on each individual thing until the top three items get crossed off the list. If you have time, continue on to the last two items of the list. If you're tired of being Superman for the day move the last two items on the list to the first two items to do for tomorrow. Even Clark Kent needs a break now and then.
4. You are enough!
You are smart enough. You are tough enough. You are strong enough. Don't get so overwhelmed with your To-Do list that you lose sight of the amazing things that you are capable of. I know i've been in a stress induced haze before where I can't see the reasons behind the actions or the goals at the end of the processes. You'll ace your midterms, pay day will come, and the dishes will be clean eventually. The important thing is that you are happy with where you are and where you are headed!
So superhero, go ahead and be happy while flying around all day getting things done. You deserve an award for all you do.;)
These four things are strategies that i've found help relieve stress for me. You know what works best for you! If you have any more ideas feel free to leave a comment and let me know!
My roommate and I took a break from studying to check out the campus bookstore and get these great Utah State shirts. Clearance items are also a great way to relieve a little bit of stress too.;)
Taya, this is a really good post. These ideas will work for anyone as well. I'm getting back to running after a long break away, in part to relieve stress. It works. Keep up your great posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I miss seeing you. If I could actually get into running I would... but I think i'd rather die;) It's awesome that you love it and that it works for you!:)
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