This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at La Salle chapter.
Everyone gets stressed (it’s normal!), which is why it is vital to know how to handle and reduce it. Take some time to consider and implement these 5 aspects into your routine. It will do wonders to decrease your stress levels. By adjusting your habits, even slightly, your stress is bound to go down. So, check out these 5 positive habits to include in you daily schedule…
- Take some time to do what you love!— Find things that you enjoy doing, for me it’s drawing or playing my guitar. Think of these things that make you happy and bring you a feeling of serenity. While it may seem like there’s no time for fun while studying, going to classes, and working on projects due the next morning, doing something that you love will give your brain a bit of a break and can help you to focus better when you get your head back in the books.
- Stop binging instead of studying!— While watching an episode or two here and there won’t do much harm, if you’ve been staying up late each night watching “one more episode” of The Office,it might be time to start putting a limit to your binging. Try keeping it to one or two episodes per night, or only watch your show after you’re all done your studies as a reward for your hard work. I know, I know, you want to keep up with Michael Scott and his shenanigans, but I promise, he’ll still be there to entertain after your homework is finished for the night.
- Separate your spaces! — Try not to use your bed for everything. It shouldn’t be your study spot, and your kitchen table, and your place to relax. It’s a bed, try to use it only for sleeping, and see what happens! Set up designated spots for your study sessions (i.e. the library), eating snacks (i.e. the dining hall or at your desk), and relaxation (i.e. a cozy chair in a lounge). Separating these daily activities will train your brain to associate certain places with their activities. Then, when you crawl into bed at the end of the day, your brain will go “Yay! Time to sleep!” This will help tremendously with getting a better night sleep and will help to keep any Dorito crumbs from cozying into your bed!
- Did you know that salads are good for you?— Well, they are! When going to the dining hall every day, the unlimited food can be so tempting (I’ll confess, I’ve given in to the desserts much too often ?). Stressed spelled backwards is desserts, so it’s no question that when we feel stressed, we head for the sweets. However, I’ve found that filling half my plate with salad for each meal has helped me tremendously! Eating some greens, whether it’s salad or the veggie that has been cooked up, will help you to walk out of the dining hall feeling comfortably full rather than like a blown-up balloon. Eating even a little bit healthier will help your stress levels decrease. So, put down that cookie and pick up some veggies! (Remember that it is okay to treat yourself, but always in moderation! Don’t binge on cookies like you have been with The Office!)
- Get moving!!— It’s been proven that exercise can be one of the best ways to decrease stress. For many people (including myself) the idea of going to the gym or heading out for a run seems like torture. But there are many other ways to be active in small ways that could really benefit you. For one, take the steps everywhere, elevators are for the weak! Or walk to class instead of taking a shuttle! Take a minute to see the “lazy habits” you’ve developed and see how you can change it! Also, check out the different activities offered on campus, such as yoga and Zumba. These can be much less intimidating than the gym and a more fun approach to being active.
Now that you know these brilliant techniques (you can thank me later?), challenge yourself to include them into your daily routine! These steps are small, decently easy, and will show you great results. So, give yourself a little push and take on the challenge for a more manageable, less stressful life. I know you can do it!