Too Blessed to Be Stressed (Stress Management Tips)

It's starting to get to the time of the year that is full of stress. The newness of the year has worn off and the assignments are starting (or have) pilled up. September/October is when I start getting stressed (especially this year with college application deadlines quickly approaching) so I decided it would be appropriate to share with y'all my tips for managing stress!

Breathe in, breathe out
I know for me while I'm doing my homework with something due that night, a test tomorrow, and a million other things to do, it is so easy to get stressed out. To reduce stress in the moment, focus on your breathing a minute or two. It helps you to focus and calm down, which is definitely helpful when you have a lot to do!

Treat yourself

This definitely doesn't need to be anything big but after finishing your homework for instance, treat yourself to a small treat whether it be a cookie or a long bath or an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. Balance is key and these small moments will help relax you after a busy day plus a reward is always helpful in getting things done!

Remember you don't have to do it all

Prioritize what's most important to you. Stuff (saying that generally as it's different for everyone) adds up quickly and it's so easy to find yourself in five clubs, a sport, and working along with managing classes and friends at this time of year. Focus on what makes you happy (and spend less time on what doesn't) and you're bound to be less stressed!

Workout

If I'm being completely honest, I barely worked out junior year, which is insane because junior year was definitely a very stressful year for me. Since starting Pure Barre in the summer (which you can read about here), I have definitely realized how much of a mistake that was because working out, no matter what workout you do, is such a great way to get moving as well as to spend a little time outside of your "school zone", which I find really helpful!

Write it all out in your agenda or on a to-do list

Sometimes I get home from school totally overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do that night. I write all of my homework in my agenda (see how I organize it here) while at school but love using to-do lists as well! The first thing I do when I'm sitting at my desk to get stuff done is write out a list of everything I need to do that night (even if it's like shower or put away laundry). Visually seeing all I need to do really helps me because most of the time, it's not as bad as you initially thought it would be!

Have a little me time

Even though I am an extrovert, I love having me time especially after a long and stressful day. Curling up in bed with a good book or an episode of Netflix is always a go-to after finishing homework and calms me down before bed!

Light a candle and play some music

Even with a mile-long to-do list, lighting a candle and playing some music can help reduce stress while actually working on your homework or whatever you need to get done. Plus, they're both pretty easy to do!

Make sure to get enough sleep
I am one of those people who needs a lot of sleep to function and if I don't get a lot of sleep, there is no way I am at my best the next day! Even though it's hard at times, be sure to get to bed at a reasonable hour because your mood will be so much better with a few extra hours of me time.

How do you manage your stress? Let me know in the comments!