10 Ways to Chill Out

Learning to handle stress is very stressful. I start to worry about things and try to calm down, but I can’t and wind up even more frustrated. I honestly don’t know how to control myself sometimes, but I have been working very hard and am finding new ways to distract myself from stress.

1. One thing that I have been finding helpful is yoga. Stretching out my tense muscles really helps me with reaching a calm state of mind.
2. Taking longer showers. Some studies may show that long showers indicate loneliness, but I have found that the hot water relaxes me and the humid air helps me with good breathing.
3. Reading. I know this is a more obvious one, but you may be surprised how much a good book will help you destress. Books allow us to escape and enter another world that has nothing to do with us.
4. Walking. This is another obvious one, but walking is very beneficial. As it turns out, committing to healthier life choices and exercising  habits can do wonders for your mental health and ability to fight stress.
5. Don’t spill tea. Stop gossiping. If you spend your time talking about other people’s problems and what they are doing, you lose time for yourself. Also keeping up with other people and what they are doing can be exhausting. Focus on yourself instead.
6. Drink tea. Try rewarding yourself with a cup of non-caffeinated tea with just a little sweetener if needed. Many herbal teas have great relaxing ingredients. Caffeine and sugar can make you a little jittery though, so read into your tea before you drink it and don’t over do the sugar. Here are some of the best teas to help with stress: Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Valerian, Golden Root, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Catnip, and Ginseng.
7. Aromatherapy. Get a diffuser and try filling your room with relaxing scents. The smells can be used as a stimulant for your mood. Many essential oils will tell you if they can be used in this way, but just in case, I advise these scents: Lavender, Rose, Vetiver, Bergamot, Roman chamomile, Neroli, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Orange or orange blossom, Geranium.
8. Don’t Procrastinate. A lot of our stress as students comes from our work load, but procrastination can really get you spiraling. It is important to get your work done as soon as possible instead of waiting until the last minute because waiting will lead to stressing and perhaps lessen the quality of your work.
9. Breathing. Even something as simple as breathing can help you with relieving stress. When you are caught up in a moment, and you catch yourself over doing it, sit down and focus on your breathing. This can relieve the tenseness in you muscles and chest as well as control  your heart rate.
10. Do what you love. It doesn’t matter what you write, draw, sing, or dance. Do it, but make sure you don’t treat it as an assignment. When relieving stress, we have to center ourselves and remember what makes us happy. Do what you love because you love it, not because you have to. This will really help find yourself in a hectic moment, and with that you will have the confidence to keep pushing.