Tips to Eliminate stress
Senior year of high school is stressful, overwhelming, and pretty intense. Lately, I find myself walking through the days feeling drained and exhausted. I've always had the mindset that if I get a little more sleep, I'll feel energized and less tired. However, I have realized that catching up on sleep is not helping me feel restored.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician, researcher, and author, offers the idea that we actually could benefit from targeting seven key areas of restoration in order to truly feel well rested, refreshed, energized, emotionally balanced, and mentally sharp, ready to tackle senior year challenges with renewed vigor.
1. Physical rest: Both passive and active forms of physical rest, such as sleeping and napping, as well as restorative activities like yoga, walking, or stretching, are great ways to feel rejuvenated.
2. Mental rest: Our brain is constantly processing information, making decisions, and solving problems. Mental rest allows your mind to take a break. Therefore, if you are engaging in work that adds to your mental load, plan on intentionally scheduling breaks or practicing jotting your thoughts or tasks down to come back to at a later time.
3. Sensory rest: We live in a world driven by technology, and with it comes exposure to a constant stream of bright light, sounds, and screens—a sensory overload. Taking intentional tech breaks throughout the day, particularly towards the end, can alleviate feelings of physical and emotional exhaustion.
4. Creative rest: Set aside problem-solving and task-driven activities in favor of exploring experiences that spark creativity and joy. Some suggestions include interacting with the arts, music, nature, or really anywhere you might find inspiration.
5. Emotional rest: Allow yourself the time and space to feel your feelings, and challenge yourself to be vulnerable. Allowing yourself to cope with your emotions in a healthy and helpful way can be restorative and powerful.
6. Social rest: Relationships play such an important role in our lives. Take some time to reflect on relationships that are healthy. Engaging in those relationships in meaningful ways can be energizing.
7. Spiritual rest: What gives you a sense of purpose? Consider how it feels to have a sense of belonging, love, and acceptance, and challenge yourself to engage in activities to promote those qualities.
In conclusion, I've learned it's important to find a balance between the types of rest that work for me. Rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity, and incorporating these types of rest will help me avoid the negative effects of exhaustion.