HEALTH

Wellness

6 ways to keep calm & carry on in every situation

With the end of the school year coming up, you’ve got plenty of reasons to be freaking out (that’s not including friend drama, nagging parents and your rocky relationship with your BF). It may seem like a little too much at times, but don’t worry. So in honor of National Stress Awareness Month, we've gathered a few simple pointers to make every hectic day a little easier. Just follow these tips and you’ll be more zen than ever—we promise.

If it’s too much homework…

Find yourself falling behind and not being able to keep track of your studying? Make a check list. This is the easiest way to keep track of everything you have to do for the day or week. Plus, it’s a weirdly rewarding feeling when you cross something off.

If it’s your friend drama…

If you’re surrounding yourself with negative people, it’s bound to rub off on ya. Take a few days to yourself to clear your mind and ignore all of the issues between your two besties. Try spending time with your fam or start reading that book you’ve been putting off. Trust us, a little cleanse from your friends can be refreshing sometimes.

If it’s body image…

Take a quick sec and look in the mirror. You are beautiful. Stressing about working out enough and regretting that ice cream cone will make you miserable. Be healthy because it’s the right thing for your body, not because you’re pressuring yourself to look perfect.

If it’s a huge test next week…

This can be the worst kind of stress. You’re worried, nervous, scared and a million other things that go along with test anxiety. Do something to work off those jitters! Go on a run, do some yoga, ride your bike—anything to get you moving. The worries will melt right off, plus you’ll feel amazing after from all the endorphins.

If it’s your family…

Families can be stressful—period. Whether it’s your overbearing parents, argumentative siblings, or even just fighting about what’s for dinner. If it’s becoming too much, sit down and talk to your parents about what exactly is stressing you out. Maybe they’re putting too much pressure on you or their new curfew is giving you grief. Just open up, let it out and talk about it.

If it’s clubs/sports/extracurricular activities…

A lot of us have a huge fear of missing out (FOMO) and that’s understandable. Nothing is worse than looking on Facebook and seeing pics from an amazing sleepover you turned down—ugh. But if you’re getting totally overwhelmed by all of your commitments and obligations, it’s time to learn how to say “NO”. Point blank: if you cut down on activities, you’ll have less stress. Pick your priorities and stick with 'em. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to skip an outing with friends if you have to study. You’ll thank yourself later when you rock that exam.

Got any de-stressin' tips of your own? Share in the comments below!

POSTED IN stress, health, fitness