Ah, summer — the perfect time to kick back, hit the beach and unwind from the long school year of tests, game days and sleeping at 2 AM. Although we love college and all of the fun that comes along with it, there’s no denying the immense amount of stress college students are put under throughout the school year. This stress can disappear the second you turn in that last final or pack up your bags for the summer, but just in case it didn’t, we’ve got your back. Here are 10 easy ways to destress and have the most relaxed summer ever!
This may seem like the most obvious solution for clearing your mind and finally dealing with your stress, but the truth is many people don’t know the various benefits of meditation. Meditation works to de-agitate the mind, leaving you much more calm and focused and it can contribute to an increase in self-awareness, helping with one’s overall wellbeing.
Waking up on a sunny day in the summer and taking in an early morning yoga session is just what you need! Yoga is not only a great way to simply stop and breathe for a second, it’s also serves as a workout. From warrior pose to lotus position, yoga will have you sweating out all the stress in your life.
Often when we’re stressed out, we seem to have no time to fully experience the “little things” in life. We’re so worried about our English presentation or the date with our S/O or even getting the perfect photo that we forget to just stop and observe the world around us. Whether it’s around your neighborhood or at a beautiful park, take a walk, observe what’s going on and just breathe.
Reading is a great way to take your mind off of the stress and allow yourself to escape into a new world. Grab a blanket, find a nice place to sit outside and get lost in the story. From magazines to blogs to novels, there is truly something for everyone.
Okay, this one might sound a little random, but hear me out. One of the best ways to relieve all that pent up stress is to let out a good chuckle. Since it’s summer there’ll be plenty of time for binge-ing your favorite comedians, TV shows or just anyone/anything that’ll make you relax and enjoy yourself. Laughter is the best medicine after all!
Okay I know what you’re thinking — taking a break from using social media and technology is virtually impossible in our increasingly tech-dependent, ‘Gram-obsessed world, but it can be done. The constant emails, notifications, and FOMO can have detrimental effects on mental health and can be very, very draining. That’s why this summer I recommend trying to stay at least a couple of days at a time without using technology and watch as your worries seem to minimize. This is one of the ways to destress that everyone needs to do once a day.
There’s nothing more relaxing than taking time for yourself at a spa. Get a facial or a massage, or simply just chill out by the pool. Spas are the epitome of calm environments, and I know you’ll have a great time.
Being by the ocean — or any body of water for that matter — is very therapeutic and can help you de-stress. You can swim, you can tan, you can just sit and let that fresh air wash over you. However you choose to approach it, you’ll feel yourself getting lighter and more at ease. Plus, it’s summer so it’s a great way to cool off on a scorching afternoon.
Exercise has been proven over and over to help relieve stress and is an overall wonderful way to spend your time. Working out increases the number of endorphins your brain produces, which are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that help you feel less stressed. When you’re dancing at a Zumba class or punching out your energy at the boxing gym, you’re actually becoming a much calmer and less stressed person (and you’re getting in a great workout too)! This is by far one of the best ways to destress.
This last one is pretty simple, but it can be quite effective. Jamming out to your favorite songs is an instant mood lifter and help you feel relaxed and happy. Plug in your earphones and sit outside or go for a drive around the neighborhood with your best tunes and I bet the stress will just melt away!
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