Over the past few weeks, I have realized that taking a break is extremely important for mental health. Whether that break be traveling somewhere or even turning off all technology. I tend to get really overwhelmed and I’m sure a lot of you are feeling that way to as of right now. However we are about third way through the semester so here is a list of things to help give you a break.
1. Sign Off of your technology
Okay now I know this sounds cliche but genuinely logging off releases so much stress. Constantly being in a world filled with people only putting our their best lives on social media and also just wishing you were somewhere else adds on so much negativity. I’ve especially noticed that because I am on technology all of the time during the school day, when I shut off all of it, my phone, laptop, switch, etc. I feel so refreshed. I feel like I’m living again.
2. bring yourself back down to earth
Getting outdoors really takes away the stress of everything going on. For example during hiking try to bring along a friend and to not use any technology. When you complete this hike you’ll feel accomplished and hopefully more connected to the Earth. Even doing something small like going outside without shoes on and stepping in the grass is great for grounding. Connecting yourself back to nature whether it be through a walk, hiking, swimming, doing something spontaneous can be an amazing thing.
3. Run away from the world
Well…not literally. What I mean is that if everything is overwhelming and nothing has been seeming to help, going on a spur of the moment trip can be the perfect refresher. Not only are you getting away from the toxicity, you also are on an adventure exploring something new. Finding new places, meeting new people, and connecting to new cultures reminds you of humanity and the purpose of the life and living.
4. Get a new hobby
Whenever I feel burnt out, I try something new and exciting. That thing can even be something like knitting or more adventurous like rock climbing. Try doing something you are afraid of, because once you push the limit, you can feel way more alive. Doing things that are out of the norm for you is REFRESHING! I put refreshing in all caps because that is basically the main point of taking a break: to refresh and renew!!!
5. Cleanse your space!!
Where you spend majority of your time should be a sacred space, a place where you can come and relax. Sometimes when we are burnt-out or stressed you tend to taint everything around you. Maybe rearrange your room, get new decor, tidy up, burn that new candle, (or new essential oil for my dormies) do something to make your space new. While you’re tidying up, imagine with all of the dust and dirt being swept away, so are your stressors, so when you walk back in that door you set a goal to make your space a positive one.
During this time of the year, where it’s right between winter and spring, where there’s no fun holidays or big breaks, it is really easy to get burnout. By using small methods, you can refresh yourself and your mind, to give you that final push to at least stay alive during the school year and not be a lifeless zombie.