HEALTH

The school year is about to start—which means life is about to get even busier. Homework assignments, group projects, extracurrics, oh my! And add in the unexpected stuff like friends coming to you for advice or relationship issues or family events and sometimes, things are just *too* much and it could feel like you’re suffocating.

For me, it was transferring to a new school in my junior year. I didn’t know what to expect and I felt like I didn’t belong. So I kept myself busy, joining clubs, constantly doing homework...trying to ignore my feelings for a crush. It also didn’t help that I was going through some pretty rough stuff at home. There were times where I felt like I couldn’t breathe—and while I sometimes still feel that way, I also learned that there are some easy fixes to make things a little more bearable. Find my tips below.

Make time for *you*.
Giving yourself a break from everything gives you time to relax. Even if it’s just 30 minutes of watching your fave show in the evening or sipping a morning cup of tea, alone time will help you clear your mind and be present in the moment.

Let music be your remedy.
Music is an amazing escape (and stress-reliever). Turn up the tunes and have a dance party in your bedroom (either alone or with your BFFs) to release some of that tension that has been building up inside of you.

Go for a walk.
Get up a few minutes earlier in the morning and go for a stroll around the neighborhood. You can even ask your mom or best friend to join you. Getting outside (and moving your bod) will boost your mood and make you feel better instantly. Bonus: Grab that book you didn’t finish, sit on a bench and let yourself get lost in the story.

Just do what you enjoy.
When it comes down to it, doing the things you love to do (whether it's working out or trying out that new brownie recipe you saw online awhile ago) will make even the most stressful times better. Remember it's okay to take a break, sometimes—the stuff that you’re dealing with will be there when you get back.

How do you make time for yourself? Tell us in the comments below.

Photo credit: Independent Life Project

by Nicole Eggleston | 8/16/2017