With college classes starting, finding a new job or internship, and dealing with the daily struggles of college life can cause great harm to our emotional and physical health. Stress can cause many problems both physically and mentally. Before and during moments of intense stress it is important to treat yourself! For me I personally got my nails done. I get a pedicure once a year before I go back to college. For me, having pretty fresh looking feet makes me feel complete. Having my nails looking good makes me feel like I can conquer the world - including sorority recruitment and classes. Pampering and taking time for myself relaxes me, and makes me feel ready to take on the day. No matter the budget you can find numerous ways to treat yourself everyday you feel stressed.
Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Face Masks
They are super refreshing and good for the skin. They take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete which gives plenty of time to watch your favorite movie, read a book, do your nails, or anything you want to do. They not only make your skin look amazing it also ensures you take the time to focus on yourself. Depending on your skin needs and budgets face masks range in price. You can buy them for $4 at Wal-Mart to $20+ at Sephora. Whatever the budget the benefits are worth it.
2. Doing Your Nails
Whether you do your nails yourself, or get them done by a professional having your nails done is very relaxing. It is a task that is entirely focused on you. You get 100% of the attention not the 5000 other things you believe need to be done. I love getting my nails done, but I also love Sally Hansen nail polish for my toes and imPRESS press on manicure nails if I do not have the time or money to go to the nail salon. All three options get the job done!
3. Reading A Book
You have to read often for classes so taking the time to read something for yourself can be very enjoyable. It can be a few poems or just a few chapters a day. Taking that time to go somewhere else essentially getting out of your own head and life is very relaxing, and brings some peace of mind even for just a few hours. I love reading The Hunger Games or The Lonely Hearts Club. Both books I have read many times so if I am super stressed they are easy to get back into. Choosing a book you have read before can help to get you to settle down and focus on reading when your mind starts to race.
4. Watching Your Favorite Movie or TV show
Merely watching an episode or two of your favorite tv show to focus on someone else's life can help put a lot of things in perspective. Personally for me watching Shameless helps me put into perspective that my life isn't nearly as crazy as it sometimes feels like. This is also a great option if your mind won't stop racing from stress as you do not have to focus as much.
5. Cooking or Baking
Finding your favorite recipe and taking the time to make a home cooked meal can make all the difference to help make your body feel better which in turn helps make your mind feel better. Fast food makes me feel gross so making that home cooked meal can help me ground myself and focus on something else. I am not the best cook so baking also is a great treat. Eating comfort food and taking the time to focus on making it is a great destresser and enjoyable treat! I love cooking pastas, or baking cookies!
6. Get a special coffee
If you just bombed a test, coffee. If you got into a fight with a significant other, coffee. If it is raining outside, coffee. If the world feels like it is crashing around you, get coffee! Coffee always makes my day better. If my day is especially crummy I will get a fancy drink or try a new one. I love both Dunkin and Starbucks so going to either of them after a long day can instantly bring up my mood. If you do not like coffee getting a fresh tea drink, or even a soda can have the same effect.
7. Get lunch with a friend
Sometimes you need a friend to vent to, or just distract your from all your worries. Going out for a meal with a friend can help put whatever stress into perspective, or merely make you happier by having a good laugh. Friends are there to bring us happiness, and be a support system. I love going on Target runs with friends when I am stressed. Taking that break from schoolwork and aimlessly walking down aisle with friends can instantly boost my mood. Chipotle and Panera both have great comfort food and are my favorite places to go with friends.
8. Journal
Writing out your feelings can make a huge difference with how you are feeling. Writing out exactly what is wrong can give the stress less power, as well as help give you time to think of a battle plan to tackle it. Buy a cute journal and keep it with you when you need to write out your thoughts. I got my Kate Spade journal as a gift and I love it. It is super cute and helps when I am struggling to tackle a problem, or have a million thoughts flying through my head. It is also great to have to write down all the good times to remind myself when those bad stressful times hit.
9. Buy a new piece of makeup
I love makeup. Doing research or just trying a new product is so exciting to me. Not only does buying makeup help you feel good by having your face look on fleek everyday, but making those decisions can be a great distraction. Looking at new products and reviews can be a fun stress free to distract yourself for a few hours. I love buying and testing highlighters which is my current makeup obsession.
10. Wear a confident booster outfit
I hate sweatpants! I would feel gross and uncomfortable if I wore them in public. When I feel gross and exhausted in general, and need a boost I put on my best outfit. I put on my feel good outfit where I feel like I can take on the world. Then do my hair and makeup. Just feeling like I look my best helps me feel ready and able to tackle whatever stresses I am facing that day.
Taking the time out of your day to do any of these things can make such a difference in the long run as you tackle the daily stresses us college students and average adults face every single day. These moments and activities to treat yourself range on budget and time to ensure at some point in your day you can focus on yourselves.
Xx FeFe
コメント