Productive Ways to Handle Stress and Anxiety

It's that time of year again- it's cold and dark outside, midterms are quickly approaching, and it feels as though stress and anxiety are taking over. Even with spring break just around the corner, it's getting harder and harder to get out of bed each morning and I can't wait until the warm weather comes back. However, even when days seem daunting and I'm not sure if my anxiety will ever go away, there are little things that can help to make the day better!

Watch a funny movie or TV show on Netflix. Take a time out from whatever your stressors are and watch something mindless that you know will make you laugh. (One of my personal favorites is The Office!) Ask your friends and roommates to join you as well- laughter is the best medicine!

Take a shower. Sometimes when stress and anxiety take over, personal hygiene becomes less of a priority. Even when you don't want to get out of bed and the thought of a shower seems overwhelming, force yourself. Take a long hot shower and remember how important self care is. It's refreshing and can really help to clear your mind.

Organize something. Go through your drawers, cabinets, and closets. Rearrange your furniture. Clean up a little and add some new decorations. Hang an inspiring quote on the wall. Organizing is therapeutic and can really help to alleviate anxiety.

Talk to a supportive friend or family member. Sometimes when anxiety takes over it becomes really easy to isolate ourselves and withdraw from our friends and family. However, these are the people we need to embrace and learn to rely on when we need help. Talk to a friend about how you're feeling and let them be there for you. My mom has been my biggest supporter during the hard times and even when I'm not sure what I want to say, giving her a call always makes me feel better.

Do something JUST for you. No matter what it is, do at least one thing during the day strictly to make you happy. Personally, I like to put make up on and pick out some jewelry to wear for the day. It helps me to feel confident (for myself!) and makes each day just a little better.

Write down one happy thought per day. This is something that has been so useful for me. Each night before I go to sleep, I jot down one thing that happened throughout the day that made me happy. No matter how bad a day may seem,  there is ALWAYS something I can write down. Remember to find the happiness in each and every day, even if sometimes it's harder to find.

Remember this feeling WILL PASS! No matter how anxious or stressed you feel at any moment in time, remember this feeling will pass. Think back to the last time you were really anxious- you got through it then and you can get through it now. Take a few deep breaths and keep in mind that although your feelings are valid, they are also temporary.

Stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings can be extremely crippling. They take over and it seems impossible to pick yourself back up again. However, these feelings can be fought and self care during the bad times, no matter how hard it seems, is so important. Try one (or all!) of these tips to fight your stress and enjoy each day that much more!