If anyone knows stress, it’s me. Right now I am taking two summer classes this Summer I (Biology and Economics…two subjects that I have been putting off since my freshman year of college…my advisor said it was high time to take them already, whoops!) on top of trying to get some hours in at work, ON TOP of trying to maintain some kind of exercising into my weekdays, plus Lola. Jeez, I’ve found myself hardly able to make time to eat. Not even kidding! It’s okay though. One day at a time, am I right? Right now I probably shouldn’t be writing this blog, I should be studying for my first biology exam on Friday, but this is my stress outlet, plus it’s a lot more fun than biology (Haha!)
So as I sit here with my 33 page exam review tossed to the side, I want to touch on some of my favorite things I do when I am feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Whether you work, go to school, are an intern, or just need a break (because let’s be honest, we all need a break from life in general sometimes) you should consider doing something on this list. They sure help me. Take 15-20 minutes out of your day to devote to “you time,” and I promise, the stress won’t be as bad as it seemed before :)
1. Go for a jog/exercise.
Have you ever gone on a run when you just need to get your mind off of something? If you haven’t, you sure have got to try this. Even if you’re not an avant runner–this is AMAZING. Preferably, go sometime during the day when it’s not excruciatingly hot outside (like early morning/late evening.) Tune into your Spotify, plug in some headphones, and run, run, run! This is my personal favorite. I like to go out for runs by a park near my house back home–just the setting and the environment gives me good vibes when I’m running. Plus, once I’m done running, I’m way too tired to be worrying about what was stressing me out before.
^^^I saw this the other day when I was running. Seeing beautiful skies like this out on runs definitely makes your problems and stress seem so small.
This also ties in nicely with working out. Hit the rec/gym, ladies and gents! Exercising gets the endorphines moving and active (ha, see how I included some biology there!) thus, you feel good and satisfied with yourself. If you’re on a time crunch, even just 15 minutes can make you feel good and can surely get your mind off of things.
2. Watch Netflix
I don’t mean binge watch, but more like watch an episode here and there. What I do to motivate myself to get through homework is once I get to a certain point, I reward myself by watching an episode of my favorite show–and so forth. This is great because it’s like a “brain break” for yourself. You know, kind of like pressing the pause button and indulging yourself into something more interesting…like McDreamy on Grey’s <3 If you need new shows to watch on Netflix, One Tree Hill, Parenthood, Breaking Bad, Parks and Rec, Army Wives, and How I Met Your Mother are among my favorites and I highly recommend!
3. Social Media
Alright, so we are in the generation of technology and this super wave of social media, which I’m not complaining about because this is where I do a lot of my “quick” stress forgetting. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat are among my top. Usually, I’ll just scroll by and briefly catch up on other’s lives, BUT, my all time favorite are the funny videos and recipes on Facebook. I’m that person on the bus who laughs randomly/by herself and its probably because of something I’ve seen on my Facebook feed. Anyways, I know we are all guilty of the social media craze, but it isn’t too bad sometimes. Pinterst is also really great and I recommend you getting an account if you don’t have one already! You can find tons of cool DIY ideas, quotes, recipes, workouts…the list goes on.
4. Adult Coloring Books
I was very iffy about this at first, because I tend to very impatient and can’t really sit still for too long, but once I got my hands on one of these adult coloring books, my opinion was proved wrong. THIS IS SO RELAXING. Especially if you put you’re favorite jams on (even just working in silence is relaxing as well.) It’s cool because you’re just coloring, but really, you’re brain is still being put to great use. These go for about $12-20 at bookstores, but I found one at Target for $4! Just as great! I have also hear there are apps??? You guys should try this out though, it’s awesome.
5. Listen to Your Favorite Band
Out of all 5, this one is probably my favorite because you can do it anywhere and at anytime. If I’m at home, I’ll usually just plop myself on my bed, and jam out to Local Natives for a good while. It doesn’t matter what you listen to, as long as you love it. Music has a way of sometimes making bad feelings go away–the beauty of music, am I right? If you’re stressed, press that pause button on life, and listen to some music that makes you happy.
As for me, I have found that blogging is one of my new favorite stress relievers. I’ve mentioned this before, but something about writing just allows me to escape reality for a little while–plus, I think it’s fun and I like to think if I can write this much for fun, I can do it for my classes (ha!)
I hope you find at least some of these things helpful, and if you already do some of these things, kuddos to you for treating yo’self!
For me, it’s time I get back to the fun of Biology and prepare to BTHO this exam Friday.
Thanks for reading…until next time!!!!
Love,
Meg <3
Little Puzzle Pieces 