Between school, work, and the millions of other things we’ve got going on in our lives, it’s easy to lose track of our mental health. Sometimes it seems as if stress is a normal part of daily life but it shouldn’t be. We’ve put together a list of the best methods to reclaim your sanity!
1. Take a technology break.
Being constantly connected to the rest of the world is convenient but can also be a main cause of ongoing stress. When you’re always accessible through email, social media, and phone calls or text messages, it can feel like your time is not truly yours. Try taking a 10 or 15 minute break from technology at least once a day. Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and simply relax for a little bit. Having “me time” no matter how short is a great way to get back in touch with yourself rather than others.
2. Relaxing hobbies.
Spending time doing something creative or artistic can be beneficial to your mental health. Set aside some free time to draw, read, meditate, or partake in a hobby that you truly enjoy. People tend to forget about their own happiness on a day-to-day basis. Always focusing on the happiness of others and not making time for yourself is a major cause of stress.
3. Ditch the caffeine.
Now, I realize this is one of the most difficult habits to kick; especially since I’m basically addicted to Diet Coke. Like seriously, if I don’t have a Diet Coke at least once a day I have the WORST headache. However, every doctor I’ve ever talked to said that caffeine is one of the worst things for your body and mind. It may be difficult to start your day without your first cup (or 8) of coffee in the morning but caffeine definitely doesn’t allow you to relax and if you consume it too close to bed time, it can create disturbances in your sleep pattern.
Which leads me to the most important tip….
4. SLEEP.
I never realized the importance of sleep until this year but regulating your sleep schedule is one of the healthiest things you can do for your mind. Always try to get to bed around the same time each night and to get at least 8 hours of sleep. This will help you wake up feeling more refreshed in the morning so you won’t be overwhelmed and rushing out the door and you can be more productive during the day. Personally, when I wake up feeling groggy, it’s difficult to drag myself out of bed and I end up feeling sleepy the rest of the morning. Receiving enough sleep can also reduce your need for caffeine in the morning.
Just remember that stress can be easily managed if you remember to lead a healthy life and make time for yourself. Although it’s easy to lose track of your own needs, it’s difficult to help others when you’re not feeling your best!