Between classes, work, friends, schoolwork and more, it is hard to find time to relax. As a result, we tend to feel constantly stressed out and, at times, at our breaking point. As hard as we try, it is hard to keep up with everything, and we end up feeling burned out. To fix this, we have to learn to relax, but who has the time? Here are a few ways to fit “relaxation” into your daily schedule.
Schedule personal time. We have our days planned out by the classes we take, the meals we eat, and the times we want to go to sleep. It makes sense, then, that we should schedule when we need time to relax. Set aside a half an hour each day to shut down and regain your energy for the day.
Find what works for you. In order to actually relax, we have to find what activities work for us and what don’t. The traditional view of meditation and herbal tea doesn’t work for everyone – and it shouldn’t have to. Find what activities help you relax – whether that be going for a run, taking a nap, or getting away from your technology for a while.
Stop feeling guilty. We have been raised in a society where relaxing is synonymous with being lazy. If you aren’t doing something productive, that means you are doing nothing at all. We have to work to get rid of the idea that we have to be doing something, anything, always. Feeling guilty about relaxing may just be the reason you find it hard to relax. Just remember: everyone needs a break sometimes. It is what helps us carry on when we need to.
Take a nap. But don’t take a “I am going to fall asleep and *maybe* wake up in four hours” nap. Schedule your nap for 20 minutes, which will allow you to feel energized and refreshed. If 20 minutes isn’t nearly long enough for you, take a 90 minute nap instead! This will allow your body to go through an entire sleep cycle.
Work it into your current schedule. Packed to the brim with things to do and can’t possibly find time to relax? Learn to work it in to what you are already doing. Listen to music while cleaning up and be mindful of each of your activities. Use your shower time to relax and play your favorite music. Enjoy the walk to and from your classes. Relaxation can be found anywhere, anytime. You simply have to put in the effort to find it.
Find a quiet, cozy place. Maybe the only way for you to relax is to find somewhere quiet. If you hate being cooped up in your bedroom all day, try walking around town and finding a nice cozy place to sit. Stop by Amelie’s and grab a coffee, or sit on the balcony of Digs and enjoy the view of the sunset on campus. Your place can be any place, you just have to find it first.
Wake up a few minutes earlier. By waking up 15-20 minutes earlier, you can seriously decrease your morning stress. Take a morning shower and sit in the warm (or cold!) water. Sit down and drink a cup of coffee or tea. Take a moment to breathe, stretch or meditate each morning. Starting your day off well will help you feel energized for the day to come.
Everyone feels stressed out at times, but it is important to find time for yourself to relax and reenergize. By scheduling some “you” time, you will feel more prepared for your day, work more efficiently, and be a whole lot happier.
