Finals, Work, Friends, School, Family, Relationships. Balancing it all may include side effects of: nervousness, tension, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, aggravation, panic attacks… and the list goes on.
This is my last year of college but somehow it just happens to be the most difficult. The work load had become intense; I’ve even mostly waved goodbye to my social life on the weekends. How did this happen? I thought senior year was supposed to be a time full of celebration- a time to put aside my homework and books, put on my dancing shoes and boogie on to the next chapter of my life.
Instead, first semester ended up being a ‘party’ in the library with members from group projects; or heavy eyelids staring at my computer as I wrote 20 page research papers. This had me thinking… Maybe I shouldn’t have double majored. Maybe I shouldn’t work 20 hours a week and take a full course load simultaneously? I wasn’t sure.
The stress and anxiety were starting to become overwhelming. They were prevailing over my emotions, sleep, and energy. I was seriously worried, and I knew I had to do something about it.
One night on a break from my demanding homework, I decided to really examine some stress-relievers on the internet. I found a lot of information that really helped me. I read on exercise, healthy eating during stress, and journaling. I glanced at anxiety blogs and research. I was trying to help myself get back to well… me!
Slowly I started realizing that the overpowerment I was feeling wasn’t only because of finals, or my crazy schedule, but that because I wasn’t taking time out to focus on myself at all. I was so attentive to everything that needed to be done, that I was neglecting my own wellbeing. I needed to take the proper steps to find a solution to all this madness in my chaotic life.
As a result of my research and reading on anxiety, I began to take more time out for myself. When I became overwhelmed I closed my eyes and took 8 deep breaths slowly. I told myself that I was in power, that I controlled my emotions and well-being.
Next I started rewarding myself with ‘me’ time after completing a project, or task that was stressful. Doing something for myself sometimes means baking, cooking, exercising, pedicures, shopping, or simply spending time with loved ones. These are things that don’t stress me out, in fact in a way; they act as a ‘medication’ for me. Once after completing a large group project, I went to Target and spent an hour just browsing and shopping for groceries. I was by myself after a state of frenzy, and on that occasion it was perfect contentment.
Additionally I started incorporating Yoga into my exercise routine. Wow, what a difference. Honestly, your state of mind after a hardcore yoga session is like feeling a high of happiness. Your mind and body are bursting full of elation. Even if it’s in that thirty minutes or hour, it’s really about you and your sense of self. The incorporation of body and mind can leave your soul feeling satisfied for hours, yet often hungry for more. So, why not try it and see for yourself? You can’t knock it until you experience it!
One last thing. I started drinking tea. Kava tea to be exact. Now, I’m a very ‘natural’ health believer. Basically, I trust that my body and mind have the ability to heal themselves, and so I try to restore my health by using natural therapies and supplements. Anyway I read an article on Kava tea and how it could be used as a natural remedy to relieve my anxiety, so I started drinking it whenever I was stressed. It’s very yummy too, especially the Yoga Kava Tea Stress Relief! I immediately notice that I feel a lot better after drinking the tea. For some reason the Hot cinnamon flavor just relaxes my mind a bit.
Now every night before bed, I compose my things for the next day, read an inspiring article, drink a cup of Kava tea, and write down my thoughts, dreams, passions, emotions, worries, or hopes in a journal. It’s my ritual that has hushed out the noise of stress, at least for that moment.
These are just a couple of the strategies I have used to help relieve my stress. Now maybe you’re in the midst of finals, or you’re feeling overwhelming with friends and school; in any situation you can learn to control your anxiety and stress. It’s all about finding the right approach and treatment for YOU! You may want to do what I did, or explore some remedies on your own. BUT, never hesitate to ask for help if you need it, because above all there are people who are here for you; whether it’s your family, friends, or resources like Anxiety In Teens!
By: Monique Volz