Ways To Destress Right Now

This post has been updated on 30/06/2020.

Whilst being in the midst of exams and that time of year where all students start to get het up and on edge as deadlines approach left, right and centre, it can be hard to find time to destress and just take a moment to breathe. 

I find that when things get a bit much, I either respond in one of two ways (a) shut down completely and pretend that deadlines and any pressure points don't exist, or (b) have a complete meltdown. Just me? Okay. 

I wanted to share a few tips on how I liked to relax a little, in hope that it will help you readers have a bit of relaxation yourselves.

Just get it done.

Procrastination has a way of making me stress out even more. When I need to do something, it rings in my mind constantly until it is done which is both a blessing and a curse. When you need to get something done, try to just get it over and done with as soon as possible, and it will make you feel so much better when the task is out of the way!

I know it sounds easy to say in hindsight - but for the future try planning your week on a Sunday or in advance to avoid leaving things to the last minute. Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and complete them over a longer period of time. I know since being at University especially, assignments can seem so big and daunting to get started on and complete - but by taking the time to divide tasks up and assign designated time to complete them really helps decrease that overall stress. 

Clean your workspace.

Whether this be your bedroom, office or kitchen, cleaning and tidying your workspace is a great way to 'productively procrastinate' so to say. I always enjoy cleaning and tidying if I am honest as I hate my room being messy or unclean, but for those who see it as a drag it will all be worth it in the end because you will have a great place to do the work.

Keeping your workspace tidy at all times is also a great idea; as it means that it is all ready and waiting for you for when you have work to complete, or an unexpected deadline. Make sure you have all items waiting for you; paper, pens, laptop etc so you don't have to add extra stress on yourself when you can't find things. 

Take a bath.

When I am super stressed out I like to take a bath with some luxury bath products and just take a moment to relax. Sometimes I bring a book in the bath with me, or watch YouTube videos on my phone until the bath goes cold (!) but I find baths almost a time-out from everyday life, and the stressful situations.

For some reason; as I usually shower - a bath feels so much more relaxing and purposeful for taking a moment just to breathe. 

Spend time with friends and family.

In a stressful situation, I find nothing is better than taking time to just hang out with friends. I like seeing my friends out of school, as its more fun for everyone to be out of the learning environment, haha! Catching up with my old friends as well is great, now we all don't go to the same school it is amazing to just chat about what we have all been up to.

Gaining that valuable support system is essential. Growing up I have found that removing friends that don't make you happy or aren't truly there for you is essential for your personal happiness - why would you want to keep friends that don't have your best interests at heart? Leave them to get on with their negativity, and potential jealousy - whilst you move on and live your best life to the full!

Go for some exercise.

Without trying to sound like one of 'those' people - performing some exercise is a great way to clear your mind and release some happy endorphins into your brain. Of course; it won't make the stress disappear but it will release some of the built up emotions you are holding out and therefore prevent you from self combusting. Try a run, walk, bike ride, skipping - whatever it is that is available to you; just get yourself OUT. 

If you like; you can also make this a more regular thing - studies show that performing adequate, regular exercise can lead people to be more productive on the whole whilst remaining less stressed. Try and get those 10,000 steps in every day; perhaps in a morning walk and set yourself up for the day! 

Don't turn to unhealthy habits.

Whatever you do; please avoid turning to unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or smoking. Avoidance behaviour doesn't solve any situation and can often make it worse - instead turn to friends or follow some of the other tips on this post. Get yourself a support system set up so that you have people that will be more than happy to listen or help you should you need it. Turning to unhealthy habits don't solve any problems; instead just create new ones so by adopting a healthy coping strategy will not only make you feel better but also help you in the long term. 

How do you destress?