Rest & Relax

As students,

Life can get pretty tough when we have deadlines to meet and work to hand in. With school, tuition, extra classes and CCA. Maybe you have dance lessons or have to practice piano, or need to train for an upcoming swim meet. Constantly needing to keep up with expectations and worry about insecurities. These are just a few things that we need to deal with as students right now.

However, you need to keep in mind that although 'studies' are really important especially in our society and to our parents as well as ourselves, the actual most important thing is you and your health.

Running around, doing this and that, here and there, every day is going to take a toll on you. Maybe you are fine now, but sooner or later you're going to get exhausted. Especially if you're not catching up on sufficient rest and me-time. Overworking yourself can lead to many undesirable consequences. A lot of students/teenagers suffer with fatigue every day and struggle to stay awake during lessons. Some become awfully quiet and anti-social because they just really can't deal with anyone when they are so exhausted and when all they want is sleep. In major cases, they fall into depression or fall sick easily due to not taking care of themselves well. 

So I have put together a list of things you can do to de-stress and just relax from all the mayhem.

1) Exercise. 

This is a really great way to let off steam when you are feeling too stressed or upset over something. It can just be a short 10 minute run or swim but you need to truly allow your mind to relax. Convert all the negative energy and thoughts into energy to exercise. Make it motivation or a pushing force to finish those 5 laps. At the same time, do not push yourself over the limits. Only you will know when you need a break. Pushing yourself too hard will overwork your physical body as well as emotional state so just relax and go at your own pace. 

2) Yoga/Pilates/Stretching/Meditation

For me, stretching can really help loosen up those muscles and get rid of those knots in my back and neck. It doesn't take much time either so you can spend about 5 minutes every morning and/or every night for a short stretching session. If you have more time, search youtube or google for some yoga poses that you can do to train your stability, balance, strength and flexibility. You can even go for classes every weekend if its something that really works for you. You may want to try meditation as well to relax your mind.

3) Hobbies/Likes

A great way to take a break is by doing what you enjoy doing. Whether it is reading, writing, drawing, playing musical instruments, singing, dancing or playing sports. Go to the library on your way home from school and borrow a good book- AND READ IT! Go ahead and try writing a poem or give yourself a topic to write about or even start a blog for your thoughts and feelings. Go and learn a new song on your musical instrument. Have a mini dance session by yourself. Go shoot a few hoops during your free time. If you like fashion and shopping, go window shop! I absolutely love making collages and designing things to shut all the unnecessary noise out. To clear my mind of worry and stress. 

4) Listen to music

Everyone loves music. It's just what genre of music you like the most. Music can be such an escape and just closing your eyes and listening to some of your favourite songs can really brighten up your darkest times. 

5) Go for a walk

Get yourself off the bed and out of your house. A daily dose of fresh air and nature might be all you need to calm down. Take a walk around, perhaps with your hands clasped behind your back. Its a naturally relaxing position.

6) Spa-day

This might just be a personal preference but I love those days where I take a long, hot shower and having a spa-day or if we have limited time, a spa-night. 

My spa-night routine is simply washing my face first. Then putting on a mask. I'll let it sit for 10 minutes before taking it off. You can stop here and go straight to moisturise but if you have more time and enjoy doing this, perhaps dab some olive oil on your face and start massaging it. The olive oil will tighten your skin and give you a nice, polished face. After that, just wash it off and use somer toner on your face. It will balance out your complexion especially after stripping your face of its natural oils. After which, just use a moisturiser and you're done! It will take you maybe 30 minutes at most. 

7) Time with friends & family

Spending quality time with your loved ones can boost your mood a lot. Simply spending some time with your friends during recess and sharing some jokes can also re-set you and get you energised for class again. 

Also, basic things you have to do to properly take care of yourself is to never, ever deprive yourself of sleep. 8 hours a day, 7 hours at least!!! Also, eat right and drink your water. Falling sick sucks so you gotta keep that immune system strong. Eat your fruits & veggies and don't skip meals! Do not snack on junk food either.

So yup! That's it for this blogpost of letting go and relaxing a little. Remember, know the limits and act accordingly. Take care of yourselves lovelies!

Signing off...
CLL