#10: Relax

It's nearing the end of the semester for many schools which means studying for exams or cramming in last minute extra credit assignments to bring up scores (used in lower level schooling like middle and high school). Because students are putting themselves in tough situations--despite them not having much control over exam day, but the stress can become overwheleming rehardless. Luckily, there are strategies to help anyone relax and stay calm.

There are many different ways to let your thoughts unwind and just become "mindless". Based on the list brought out from Omharmonics, there were 13 ways to "Relax you Mind", and many of which maybe already known you:

1. Meditate

2. Yoga

4. Eat Right

6. Cuddle with pets (if any)

8. Doodle

10. Nap (10 minutes)

13. Say "Later"

It's a simple gesture for yourself to just flip the switch and at least try not to worry about anything. There are even things on the list that I didn't see that can even be helpful in relaxing the mind and distress.
There's herbal teas that bring the body at ease. Here are a few teas listed from Natural News:

Valerian herb and tea

• Valerian - Helps sleep as well as ease physical and emotional tension, however too much can make a person lethargic; NOT for kids 12 and below.
• Blue Vervain - Also helps with sleep and calm nervous system; suggested to NOT be used for long periods of time.
• Catnip - (Yes, cat treats!) The herb within reduces anxiety symptoms, muscle tension, and helps with sleep - especially if the lack of sleep is causing headaches.*
• Chamomile - Relaxes the stomach and reduces mild anxiety; can be used for children though not for long periods of time for anyone. Can also be added in a warm bath for extra relaxation.*
• Lemon Balm - Goes into the nervous system to help nervousness, anxiety, or if feeling upset, Also helps with headaches. 
• Kava - For moderate to severe anxiety - ability to reduce anxiety ridden thoughts. Asking a doctor for the use of Kava due to possible safety concerns.
• Passionflower - Mild to Moderate anxiety (known safety than Kava); decreases muscle tension and calm nerves, could even help with sleep and headaches.
• Hops - Helps with nervousness and stress, fight insomnia, indigestion and headaches. Also can help with fever caused by stress.
• Green Tea - Contains theanine which helps to relax; promotes alpha waves linked to relaxation. Use decaff green tea if helping to calm down.

* Chamomile and catnip could both stimulate an appetite lost due to stress.

Use with caution!

While there's many tea options and other various activities (some not be listed, but could help you), there's no excuse for someone to say there's no way of relaxing. Whatever is enjoyable to you and that brings you inner peace from the outside stresses, is a form of relaxing. For my case, it's taking a nice vacation away; visit family, distant friends, and not have to think about when the next assignment is due.

What helps you relax or distress? Comment below on your thoughts ^^

愛