By: Adrian Cako

As university and college season is just around the corner, the stress placed on senior students to obtain high marks is also here. With this comes a wave of anxiety and nervousness that seeps into all students who have sent out their applications to the post-secondary institutions of their choice, waiting on months for a response. But if you feel like the stress of having to make this huge decision with no guarantee that it’ll all work out is starting to get to you, follow these steps and you too can learn how to relax again!

1. Chamomile Tea

Aside from it tasting and smelling delicious, there is actual scientific research that proves that there are calming, stress-relieving properties that come from a nice warm cup of chamomile tea. Try making one in between study breaks or crying sessions!

2. Meditation

Meditation is a great way to clear the mind of all negative things that might be clouding it and place yourself in a state of bliss that isn’t affected by that one test you know you probably failed. And whether you believe in all of the spiritual healing properties that comes with meditating, there is no denying that it is an excellent way to calm down and relax yourself.

3. Exercise

Physical activity in general is a great way to take your mind off of the worries you have from school. Even if you haven’t touched a pair of running shoes since grade 9 gym, simple things like going out for a quick jog or run can actually stimulate the mind and help with school, all while you burn off the weight you gained during stress-eating!

4. Sleep

This one is easy, as I don’t think any of us have any trouble getting more sleep. But for those people that think pulling an all-nighter to study for a test or finish an assignment is the way to get things done, then you are sadly mistaken. Lack of sleep can decrease your productivity, creativity, and positivity, and can affect the work you do. So, the best advice is to just take a nap and do it later!

5. Scheduling Your Time

If you were going to do at least one of the things on this list, make it this one! Scheduling your time is probably the best thing you can do for yourself at this time. If you take a minute to stop and organize your life and priorities, you’d actually be surprised as to how much time you have to get things done and still have a social life! And with all the free calendar and schedule apps out there, there really is no excuse as to why you didn’t know that your essay was due today.

There is no doubt that this is a stressful time for us seniors, and a lot of it is out of our hands once we send off those applications. But hopefully this was helpful and gave you some ideas of your own as to how you can stop having a breakdown every week and hopefully get into the school that you want to go to.