Thinking of the Stress Free Days

For the past five years of my life, I have pretty much been in a constant stressed out state. I'm sure many of you can relate to being stressed out everyday- with college and jobs and all of the in-between, life can get hectic and it is pretty easy to lose sight of the days that you were not stressed. My mom, being the classic worrying mother, always gives me advice on how to deal with my stress, like working out and getting enough sleep and making lists. I do all of those (except sometimes maybe I don't get enough sleep- don't tell my mom though), and I still felt as though I never had enough time in the day to get everything I need done, done. So my friend from home gave me some advice that had helped her- for ten minutes every day, just lie down in bed in comfortable clothes and imagine a memory from one of the favorite moments or times in your life. This may seem silly, but since I know college students tend to be among the most stressed people, I wanted to share with you why you should try doing this too.

Bridgehampton, NY

For me, the summer is always a time when I feel incredible because I know no stress. Work seems simpler, the weather is nicer, beaches are at my disposal, and I always seem to have free time. This past summer, I spent a week in the Hamptons with two of my best friends, beach hopping, going to restaurants, and trying to spot celebrities at every corner. When my friend told me to think about my favorite moments, this was the first one to come to my mind. 

So this past Monday, I tried it out for the first time. I got back to my dorm room after the gym, showered, and before I rushed out to dinner with some friends, I told them I would be a few minutes late and I tossed myself onto my bed. I closed my eyes, and instead of falling asleep and taking a nap, I just dove deep into my memories from this past summer. I remembered little things- like stopping at farm stands to get doughnut peaches and watching Dirty Dancing on the projector late at night. These were memories I didn't even know I had, and yet when I forced myself to think about it for ten minutes, they all popped up as if they were at the forefront of my mind all along.

Courtesy of Libby VanderPloeg

Now, you may be thinking "Katie, this seems silly. How would this help with my stress?". Good question, reader! I don't know if there is any science behind it, but this week I have felt a lot less stressed. Even with exams, applications, and other responsibilities packing my schedule, it all seemed tolerable after I opened my eyes after those few minutes thinking about my best times. It also helped when I had moments during the day that I felt overwhelmed because I would think back to those ten minutes from the day before and it helped me to think that I will end up in that state of relaxation again. When I'm in a bad mood, I think about good times and it immediately puts me in a better mood.

It blows my mind how much ten minutes of my day have changed my stress level, and I really think it could help some of you too. It is such a rad way to feel better if your life isn't at its best right now. I love Penn State, just like hopefully you do too, but it can certainly get stressful here. Thinking about summer brings me back to center and helps me feel like I have control over my life.