Another episode of S.O.S. – Study Over Sleep! It has been a while!

This pasts weeks have been so hard, but specially this one. The semester is coming to an end and I have so much to do. It has been extremely hard balancing my actual work, classes, my university practice and my social life. I knew it was going to be hard, but I couldn’t imagine how hard it will actually be.

When I am feeling sad and low, and on desperate need of motivation, I go on pinterest, that is my number one source for motivational quotes and I thought I should share the one I found today.

Source: Pinterest/Tumblr

This one punched me in the face. I am so close to the finish line and so many times I have tought of quitting something of all the things I have going on, specially when I feel really overwhelmed. Fortunately I haven’t taken any decisions on those moments of weakness and always try to look for a way to calm myself and keep going strong.

Being finals season, I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. I wanted to share what I do to calm and refocused myself, when I am feeling overwhelmed and my energy is low (apart from searching on Pinterest for motivational quotes).

This first one shouldn’t come as a surprise. I take a shower. The first reason for this is because my apartment is really hot, and that doesn’t help when I am feeling frustrated. And second, I am sure you already know, but I love taking showers and using good smelling products, plus I incorporate mindfulness meditation to my showers to make them extra relaxing. Just taking a shower lifts my mood and helps me relax and be calm, the next things I will mention I use to help prolong this calm feeling.

I prepare a relaxing environment, first I light up a candle, love this one from Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy line in Calm, very fitting and I enjoy the scent.

Second, I take my amethyst crystal, and set an intention for it to help me relax and concentrate. This crystal is said to help with stress and anxiety and that is why I have made it part of my calming routine for when I am studying.

Third, I put on some instrumental music playlist on Spotify. I choose a playlist at random from the Focus category. I like choosing songs without lyrics because it helps me concentrate more. I am one that can’t study if I don’t have peace and complete silence, but this type of music helps me concentrate more and feel more relaxed.

While I wait for the delicious scent and good energy to invade my home, I take a glass of ice cold water and if I have lemons I will add one to make it extra special and tasty. This helps me stay refreshed and hydrated.

The last thing is to control has much as you can your distractions. No Netflix or Youtube when you are feeling stressed. Believe me, I am one to do all the things I can while watching some videos, but when I am feeling frustrated and don’t want to do all the things I have to do, adding distractions like those will just end badly. I will not concentrate in the task at hand, and the probability of spending hours doing nothing are high. After you have finish doing the work, reward yourself with a episode or two and then continue with another task. Plus, studies have shown that multitasking really doesn’t work and it’s not productive.

So there you have it, my calming studying essentials. I hope it helps you in times of need.

I will love to know what you do when you are feeling overwhelmed and with a lot of things on your life. I will love to learn new things from you, so leave me a comment with your recommendations.

Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph