Second half of spring semester seems to be a busy time for everyone. In the midst of projects, papers, and extracurriculars, it’s important to stop and take care of yourself, and most importantly your mind. Treat yourself with some self love this week with some of these tips.
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Meditate
Meditation is a great way to keep your mental health in check. Meditation is the practice of thinking deeply or focusing one’s mind for a period of time. Research shows that meditation can help you better handle negative feelings and emotions. Try downloading an app like “Headspace” or “Calm” and using it a few times a week, or everyday if you feel you need it.
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Work out
While working out is obviously great for your body, the benefits it has for your mind are endless. Exercise can boost one’s mood by triggering the release of hormones that make you feel good like endorphins, which improves brain health. Do whatever you like to do to work out, whether that be running, pilates, or zumba, do something to get your heart rate up whenever you need a mood boost.
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Journal
Research shows journaling can improve your mood and increase your happiness and sense of well-being. Journaling helps the brain control emotions. You could choose to journal about just about anything, it could be your thoughts, feelings, or observations. Try to sit down and write a few times a week to get your emotions in check.
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Sit outside
Studies show that being outside, whatever it is you choose to do outside, can improve blood pressure, boost mental health, and even decrease cancer risk. Not to mention, on a nice sunny day some Vitamin D can do your mind, body, and your skin wonders. There’s countless things to do outside, just try to get out there as often as possible. Next time you’re doing some homework, think about doing it outside instead of in a stuffy room.
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Draw
This isn’t specific to drawing only, creating art in general can be beneficial for many reasons at all ages of your life. No wonder you painted so much in school when you were younger. Creating art, whether that be drawing, painting, sculpting or whatever else, relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem, and can make you feel accomplished. Even if you’re not artistic at all, get out those pens and paint brushes as much as you can.