We take in massive amounts of information every single day through our interactions, our use of social media, and pretty much with everything we see during our day to day hustling and bustling. Take some time this week to process, relax, have fun, and slow down. You deserve it!

1. Meditate

Perhaps you’ve heard about meditation and all it’s benefits? Or maybe you’ve only heard about meditation as it relates to monks? The good news is that meditation is something everyone can do, regardless of who they are, what they believe, etc. It’s a practice that can help you to be more present, and feel refreshed afterwards. Don’t know where to start? Luckily there’s tons of free apps, YouTube videos, websites, and tutorials that can guide you. Try to find one you like and stick with it for the week. Your school or community might even have some resources you can use. 10 minutes of meditation can help you feel centered, calm, and lighter. Here’s some resources you can check out to start:

 

2. Journal

Throughout the day we have millions of thoughts running through our minds, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. Which is why I particularly love journaling. When journaling, you don’t have to write about anything particular. I like free flow writing; writing whatever I’m thinking about in the moment. Even if my first thought is, “I don’t know what to write here”. That’s a start! Try 15 minutes of free flow writing and see how you feel afterwards.

 

3. Step away from your phone for at least 30 minutes – after reading this post, of course.

We spend a lot of time with our phones every day. But with constant notifications, texts, and information coming in, it can be a bit overbearing sometimes. That’s why having a mini digital detox can be good! For at least 30 minutes you can play with your pet, make a song, or try out the other six tips on this list while you’re at it! Use this time to do what makes you feel good!

 

4. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to clear your mind and take care of your body! Even taking a 30 minute walk around campus or your neighborhood can be enough to ease your brain and feel refreshed. Focusing on having a good workout helps you to be more present, and melts away any other thoughts for the time being. Plus the endorphins afterwards? The best! Get moving, and make sure you stay hydrated champ!

 

5. Color

Coloring for adults has been buzzing for some time now, as it should be! Coloring is a great stress reliever, and it’s really fun to do! If you want you can go all out and get an adult coloring book (you might even find some at your campus bookstore), or you can print out some free patterns online. Find some cool colored markers, crayons, or even pens, and have some fun!   Invite some friends, get some snacks, and color to your heart’s content!

 

6. Take a nap

We could all use some extra sleep every now and again. Naps are great, because they help recharge you so you can conquer the rest of your day! We all deserve to feel well-rested and to give ourselves some extra Zzz’s when we need them. Take a 30-45 minute nap this week to feel refreshed! If you have some trouble dozing off, try putting on some white noise – or it’s soon-to-be-popular cousin, pink noise! (Pink noise sample – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b4SXVFHgpk)

 

7. Dance!

Every Saturday I perform. Well, okay, not exactly. I have a “concert” in my room, and it usually consists of me singing along to my favorite music and dancing in the mirror! It’s one of my favorite things to do, and it’s one of my favorite forms of exercise (refer to tip #4). Take some time this week to let loose, and have your own dance party! Whether you plug in headphones or blast your favorite songs on a speaker, whether you dance alone or have your friends join you, get moving to music you love! It doesn’t matter what moves you do, as long as you feel good doing them!

 

I’m sure you have things to do this week, but make sure one of those things is something that refreshes you and makes you feel good! You deserve to decompress, to relax, and to spend some time with the most important person in your life – you! Do something that brings you joy this week.

 

All the best,

Valencia