We can all agree that juggling a job, school, friends and relationships can add stress to your life to the point where it may seem too impossible to handle. If you’re stressed with your life at the moment, which I’m guessing you are based on the pure fact that you clicked on this article, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some fool proof ways to remain chill af when you’re stressed to death.
1. Start meditating.
At any given moment, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed with stress, meditation can potentially solve all of your problems. Not only does meditation reduce stress levels, but it decreases the likelihood of anxiety attacks and keeps you in a positive state of mind as well. I personally recommend downloading an app, my personal favorite being Head Space, which can help you get into the right state of mind before, during and after meditating.
2. Keep Busy.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t keeping busy just add to the amount of stress you already have? It may, but it doesn’t have to. When you are busy and stressed with work inside and outside of school, it is important to take the free time you have and work on something you love and are passionate about. During the time you are not working, try to do something you genuinely enjoy doing. It will bring positive energy into your life and may actually reduce the amount of stress you are already feeling.
3. Write.
Writing is crucial when dealing with struggles and hard times in your life. It allows you to be honest with yourself and creates an outlet for you to vent about how you are feeling at the current moment. Plus, you can look back and read about how stressed you were that one time while you’re chilling on the beach drinking Tequila and listening to Lana Del Rey.
4. Create playlists and find new favorite songs.
Do you remember the first time you ever heard your favorite song? Do you remember how you felt and happy you would be knowing you’ve found out music like this exists, while you played it on repeat? Yeah. Me too. Finding new music can make you feel excitement and happiness, which ultimately depletes the amount of stress in your life.
5. Create a change.
Whether it be to your hair, your clothes or your bedroom, making a change will give you a different outlook on your life. Change creates the idea of a new beginning and starting fresh. Plus, it’ll give you a reason to procrastinate for another four hours.
6. Go outside.
Stepping outside will relieve your stress almost instantly. Fresh air and even a change in temperature and environment almost reminds you that there is a world beyond your stress. Even taking a short walk can do wonders for your current state of mind.
7. Working out.
I know most of you are going to look at this tip and laugh, but working out has helped me whenever I felt down and stressed about my own work. Running increases your endorphins and will keep you in check with how you are feeling, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. So before you decide to write that nine page essay, try to go on a short run before you start.
8. Call someone.
Reassurance is something we all need. Talking to someone we actually enjoy talking to can take a weight off your shoulders and keep all your problems at ease for an extra five to ten minutes. Talking and even laughing with a friend or family member can really make you forget about the stress that was literally just stressing you out. You may even get some good advice from it!
9. Get some sleep!
Trust me, I get it. You have too much work to do and sleep is not an option anymore. You may think this but… honestly… you’re wrong. Everyone has the ability to wake up early and devote their days to getting their work done and going to sleep at a reasonable hour. Less sleep will actually cause more stress, creating a cycle that your mind and body will inevitably hate you for. So ditch the homework and get some sleep!
10. Keep everything in perspective.
Remember that compared the life ahead of yours right now and the world around you, is much bigger than the problems you are facing. Though your problems may seem like the end of the world sometimes, there is always another day, week, month and year. The world is going to keep on turning and the stress you are facing today will shortly be non-existent. So take a breather and realize that you can always make the active choice in your life of whether you want to be stressed to death or chill af.