By Comet Ziemer
Stress is something that can come unexpectedly and really hinder your entire day. You can quickly go from feeling on top of your game to that sinking feeling of never being able to get anything done. Stress can manifest itself in many different ways. From things that might be happening in school or at work, family issues, or just mental health problems. When stress hits you, it can be hard to find the motivation to do common daily tasks, especially if those tasks involve finishing school work.
With the world looking like an eternal dumpster fire, it can feel like there is no way to escape the stress and focus on things that you need to do. But believe it or not, it is possible to get out of your head and get motivated. Here are some simple ways you can minimize your stress and stay on top of your game.
- Clean your living space
When you come home from a busy day and are feeling stressed, the last thing you want to do is steer through dirty clothes and jump around the debris in your house. It can make you feel confined and trapped on your couch or in your bed. Cleaning your area can allow you to have more space in your room and clears your mind of things to do. But for a lot of people, seeing that pile of garbage can really intimidate you, and make you more stressed. So it might help to work in sections or categories.
It might help to make a checklist. Start with any bottles or cans. Then move to wrappers or containers. Afterwards just make your way to other things. It’s okay to pause if you feel tired and come back to it when you feel better. Again don’t feel bad if you feel like you might need help. Asking a parent or a friend to assist in your cleaning will not only make the workload less hard on you but might make the cleaning more fun. Listen to music or a podcast you like while you clean. Don’t have things play that require visuals; that can distract you. Once your space is clean, feel free to treat yourself! Go out and get something you like or go somewhere you like going. You deserve that!
- Take care of any plants or animals you own.
It can be hard to remember to take care of yourself. Brushing your teeth or taking a shower can seem like mountains to climb. And when you find it hard to take care of yourself, it might seem impossible to be able to keep something else alive and well. But it’s a task that is not only important for your head, but for your plant or animal.
If you have a plant, make a goal for yourself to water it the second you get out of bed. Even if it’s just to use the bathroom, make sure that plant and water is in your path. Stop yourself and make sure it’s taken care of. Set alarms in different parts of your house so you have to get up and take care of your plant. The same goes for if it’s a pet. Make sure that it’s fed and given water.
- Go on a walk.
Listen, I know that this may sound cheesy, but it really does work! Going outside and walking around your street is a great way to help your brain be cleaned out from any mental clutter. Studies show that going outside helps minimize stress, improve your mood, and boost happiness.
When you go outside and get a look at the sky, trees, animals, and the world around you, it can help you remember that there is happiness in life. Breathing in fresh air can help reset your mood and get you more motivated to do the things you need to do.
Stress can really mess up a lot of people’s minds. And even though these tips might not work for everyone, hopefully they work for you.
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