The Easter holidays are drawing ever-closer, and it’s safe to say that we are all in need of a well-deserved break! The last few days of term are difficult for everyone – staff are exhausted and almost delirious from a heavy few months and students are all-too-ready to retreat into their bedrooms for two weeks with their games consoles and a mass of Easter eggs. With that in mind, here are a few de-stress tips to help you unwind during those last few manic days.
1. Take a hot bath or shower
Some people believe that having a nice long soak in the tub can give you a completely new outlook on life, especially during times of heightened stress. Washing off the day’s dirt can leave you feeling renewed and help to clear the mind. However, many of us do not have the time for a long bubble bath, and so as an alternative a short hot shower can offer a similar sense of refreshment and relaxation in a quarter of the time. Add in some nicely scented body wash and you basically have a home steam room… kind of!
2. Practise your breathing
The art of meditation as a form of relaxation is frequently discussed, however finding the time and quiet space to practise this can be difficult. An easier way to utilise your breathing to help de-stress is simply by listening to and counting your breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose for two seconds, and then breathe out through your nose for two seconds. Pay attention to your diaphragm expanding and contracting, and listen to the sound of the air entering and leaving your body. Repeat this however many times you need to. This trick is great as it can be done at your desk, in the classroom, in the car etc. It really does help!
3. Praise yourself
During demanding situations, such as the end of term, it is very easy to focus on the negatives and get down on yourself. In turn this just makes you feel worse and further heightens stress levels! Instead of slating yourself for what wasn’t good, try and praise yourself for what was great instead. For example ‘You did a brilliant job on that display today!’ is much better than ‘You took up so much time putting that display up!’ Being kind to yourself helps you to feel more positive and motivated, which in turn reduces stress.
Next time you are feeling the pressure of the final few days of term, bare these tips in mind to help you get by. Also, don’t forget that the last day of term WILL come eventually (no matter how far away it seems!), and your hard work is greatly appreciated. During demanding situations, such as the end of term, it is very easy to focus on the negatives and get down on yourself. In turn this just makes you feel worse and further heightens stress levels! Instead of slating yourself for what wasn’t good, try and praise yourself for what was great instead. For example ‘You did a great job on that display today!’ is much better than ‘You took up so much time putting that display up!’ Being kind to yourself helps you to feel more positive and motivated, which in turn reduces stress.
Next time you are feeling the pressure of the final few days of term, bare these tips in mind to help you get by. Also, don’t forget that the last day of term WILL come eventually (no matter how far away it seems!), and your hard work is greatly appreciated.
