Feeling Overwhelmed? Try These 4 Stress-Reducing Life Hacks

By: Mireya Perez

With approaching deadlines, the holiday season, and the ongoing pandemic, it’s safe to say we’re probably all experiencing some form of stress right now. Creating healthy habits dedicated to helping your mind relax can help you overcome midterm stress and reduce anxiety. We challenge you to spend at least 15 minutes every day doing things that make you feel good. Not sure where to start? Try these four stress-reducing exercises that are tried and true.

Make a “to-do” list

Do you ever feel like you have too many things to do and not enough time to complete them? Make a list of everything you should do during the week, and make sure to add a few things you enjoy in there. Homework at 15:00 and Netflix break at 17:30 sounds much better than a busy schedule without a stop for the activities you enjoy.

Make a “done” list

Sometimes, a long list of incomplete tasks will only stress you more. If that’s your case, try making a list of everything you have already completed. From making your bed in the morning to cleaning your room to getting started on that essay, anything you have achieved will give you a sense of accomplishment.  

Set aside time to read and unwind

A good book will give you that break you were looking for. Give your mind a rest and get lost in its pages. Even if you don’t like reading, it doesn’t have to be a novel. It can be a graphic book, poetry, biography, or even a cooking book. Find a book on a topic you’re interested in and start reading! If you need suggestions, check out this list of page-turning thrillers.

Keep a journal

Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you ease your mind. At times, things become clearer when you let them out, even if it’s only to yourself. Keep in mind that journaling is a habit, a practice to turn to when you’re feeling anxious or worried. You don’t need to write every day, just when you feel like you need to.