So, you’re feeling stressed out and its only October? Believe me, it’s relatable. I think that the most important thing to do is to stay calm and take care of yourself in these times with exams, assignments and work.
Here are some personal ways that I use to kick back and relax and hopefully you find some of them to be useful. My advice to you is to follow the 5 Step Self-Care Routine that I have devised to help you relax in these trying times.
Step 1 – Feeling: A Guide to Feeling Relaxed
What makes you feel good? You can’t go wrong with a delicious face mask, a freshly shaved body and a tan. I know that these rituals can sometimes be viewed as chores or unnecessary beauty routines but they are a personal favourite of mine to feel confident and comfortable in my own skin. I adore the feeling of getting into fresh bed sheets with a brand-new candle and a face mask to chase the blues away.
Step 2 – Fawn Yourself: Your Favourite Things to Fawn Over
Everyone has their own favourite thing to do when they’re upset or stressed. My favourite ritual is to put on a comforting movie to distract myself from the worries of studies and work. This could be any film depending on the season. Hocus Pocus during the Halloween season, Love Actually in the winter and a simple Harry Potter flick if you’re feeling lonely. It helps me sometimes. So, chill out by choosing a great Netflix film based on your childhood nostalgia or simply to remind you of good Memories.
Step 3 – Freak Flags Fly:An Enjoyable Hobby to Brighten Your Day
What cheers you up more than anything? It could be sushi with a friend, or a walk with a good Spotify playlist or reading a book with a Ben and Jerry’s slowly defrosting beside your salt lamp. Whatever completes your zen is the way to go. A glass of wine and a good book, a morning swim in Salthill or a cycle along the docks after an iced coffee. Whatever makes you feel whole and grounded – this is the best way to de-stress after a long week, to come back to life and get back in touch with your inner Self.
Step 4 – Feng Shui: Because Being Affected By Our Surroundings Is a Thing
Do the laundry. Light the candle. Spend the €4.50 on the tiny cactus in Penneys simply because you feel it completes the room. We are so affected by our surroundings, and this can sometimes go unnoticed. If you see books and clothes piling up on THAT chair in your bedroom, it could be time to think about arranging a less hectic form of organisation. You’ll thank yourself later.
Step 5 – Freedom Fighters: A Go-Getter Attitude En-Route to Freedom
When stresses and worries pile up, procrastination is often the way to go. However, one of the most important forms of self-care is being on top of things such as deadlines, errands and college reading. Putting off something as simple as going to the shop can lead to frustration in the evening when there is no food to make dinner, resulting in an expensive takeaway order on a Monday night. My personal form of self-care with regards to college is whenever I see a deadline on my calendar, I make it my mission to get that particular assignment done weeks in advance of its due date. It’s something I’ve always found that my future self is so grateful for; that feeling of freedom when the work is out of sight and out of mind.
So, there you have it! A simple but effective guide on how to take care of yourself during stressful times.
