Final exams may not be for another couple of weeks, but every fall semester the days between Thanksgiving break and finals tend to feel like one long nightmare. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re suddenly realizing how much work we have to do before we reach that light…and it’s terrifying.
So without further ado (because you’re crunched for time) here are five ways to find inner peace when you’re feeling serious pressure.
1. Skip the drinks
After a long week, sometimes a tall, stiff drink sounds like the best way to relax. However, alcohol can do just the opposite—especially over time with excessive consumption. We’ve all heard this before, but I’m going to say it again: alcohol is a depressant. Alcohol strips our bodies of much-needed nutrients and leaves us dehydrated and exhausted. Heavy drinking is a temporary fix that causes the body more stress than it temporarily relieves. It takes extra energy for your body to process alcohol, and can bring on feelings of depression and anxiety. When people turn to alcohol as a stress reliever, the vicious cycle continues.
2. Get your caffeine fix with natural tea
Tea is basically a miracle worker. Studies show it can benefit us in several ways by preventing disease, boosting the immune system, increasing metabolism, and, among these, relieving stress. Black tea, in particular, may reduce blood pressure (which rises when we’re stressed out). This means that sipping a warm cup of tea is not only a relaxing activity, it actually has physiological benefits.
3. Practice meditation
If you’re feeling anxious, nervous, or overwhelmed this might seem really difficult to do. With practice, however, it can be extremely beneficial. Meditation is all about releasing your stressors through peace of mind. If you’re interested in trying out meditation but aren’t sure exactly how to partake, have no fear. There are tons of sources out there dedicated to teaching beginners how to successfully meditate.
4. Put yourself in a relaxing environment
For some, this might simply mean making your bed and picking your dirty clothes off of the floor. Having a space designated for relaxation is a way to surround yourself with positive energy. It’s important to de-clutter your space, make it cozy and comfortable, and surround yourself with warm, earthy colors. Like meditation, having a spot to relax can help clear your mind and therefore eliminate stress.
5. Get plenty of sleep
Sometimes pulling an all-nighter is absolutely necessary, but regularly not getting enough sleep can negatively impact your mood and actually cause you to feel stressed. Stress also causes insomnia, with makes this another vicious cycle. If you feel like this may be an issue for you, try using your bed only for sleeping (which means no computer or phone), try to go to bed around the same time each night, and avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Sleep is crucial to health in general, so make sure you’re getting plenty of it!