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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at American chapter.

As the semester gets busier, there is no doubt that we have all had a stressful few weeks. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to put yourself first. These are some of my favorite things to do to de-stress after a long week. 

Take a long shower

The first thing I love to do is take a relaxing, hot shower. If you can, take a bubble bath too! Catering to the five senses is so important for relaxation. This is a good time to reflect, listen to your favorite music and pamper yourself. Now is also the time to use your favorite body scrubs, loofahs, and soaps! Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Body Wash is perfect for a relaxing soak. They offer a variety of scents including lavender (which helps aid in sleep), Himalayan salt (great for sore muscles) and eucalyptus (perfect for restoring and uplifting). The soothing scents of essential oils and the steam from the shower will help relax your mind and body in no time. Use this as a time to clear your mind and wash off all the stress from the day.

Clean up!

Another thing that helps me relax after a stressful week is cleaning up my space. Cleaning may not sound like a fun task, but you will feel so relieved afterward! It can be simple tasks like spraying your surfaces, cleaning the sink, making your bed, organizing your desk, etc. Cleaning your space will make you feel accomplished and more organized, and it also allows you to reset for the next day. 

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Meditate!

Before you go to sleep, try following a guided meditation! There are so many videos on YouTube that you can follow along with. I would recommend meditation for self-love, meditation for deep relaxation and meditation for peace. Meditation only takes about 10-20 minutes out of your day, but the benefits are amazing and long-lasting! Guided meditation is great for recharging your mind, aiding in sleep, and helping you find inner peace. This is a great time to light your favorite candles or incense and fully immerse yourself in the experience.  

Do some yoga

Yoga is another great way to wind down. Yoga is a simple way to relax your body and get in some light physical activity. Yoga and stretching exercises can help relax your muscles, improve your flexibility and balance and uplift your mood. If you are a beginner, there are so many great YouTubers you can follow along with! Some of my favorites are Sara Beth Yoga and Yoga with Bird! 

These are only a few out of the hundreds of ways there are to relax. Hopefully, these tips can help you find a bit of inner peace throughout your day. Remember to take care of yourself!

Lauren Easley

American '23

Lauren Easley is a junior at American University majoring in Communications and minoring in Marketing. She loves art, traveling, cooking, and design. Lauren is currently a feature writer for HCAU and is residing in DC.