It’s 11:48 pm and I’ve been excitedly thinking of ideas this whole week for today and here I am almost on the verge of tears. Why? Because college is draining me out. I have midterms this whole week, I’m currently writing a last minute midterm paper about The Awakening by Kate Chopin (English major…) and also refreshing my facebook feed because my eyes just can’t take it anymore. I’ve lost my motivation, I really have! I don’t know why. I pray but I’ve just lost it. This is what stress does to me. It exhausts me to the point that even my soul has fallen asleep. Now I’m looking into music, my own writing but nothing is helping me. It’s at these times that I really need an awakening myself. Not the kind talked in the book…lol. But a real awakening that connects me back to a force that not only energizes but gives me hope. Because this stress isn’t just about all the things I have to do but an emotional storm in me saying, “you can’t do it. You’re helpless, you’re a failure.” Yeah my stress is very mean and harsh towards me. It’s like the red devil sitting on my shoulder just mocking me, or a huge big grey cloud hovering over me and I need it to leave. I need that light, the rainbow after the rain. Some of you might think, college is that overwhelming? And for some yes, and for some no. But think of those times when you’re stressed for whatever reason it may be. Doesn’t it just tire you mentally, doesn’t it just suck the life out of you. It’s not good, not good at all. Now you guys are probably wondering where is this going? Why am I just complaining about this stress. Well it’s because I may not have a solution for it, but I feel as if venting is good, and then to try to come up with a few “tricks” or tips to cope with this and bring in some good energy. So here are my 5 or maybe 6 tips for stress.
1). Read quotes, Quran, hadiths on motivation. It won’t get you of the grey cloud but it will help to reflect. It really will. Below I’ve listed four of my top favorite.
- “And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]”.Quran 2:45
- “She turned her can’t into cans and her dreams into plans”.
- “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up”.
2). Drink green tea. I know weird right? But for me green tea just calms my mind and with honey… oh it’s AMAZING!
Fun fact: Honey is actually part of the tradition of Prophet Muhammadp! Who Knew?!
If you don’t like green tea or just don’t think that’s the key, then drink whatever you want whether it be water, and even coffee.
3). Take a break! Breaks help so much! Working on an essay, take a mini 5 minute break or a 10 minute break. I’m not going to lie, sometimes my breaks end up being an hour because procrastination… you know! But definitely try 5 to 10 minutes. Okay maybe 15!
4). Surround yourself with good vibes. Whether it’s by watching a funny comedy or funny videos on Youtube or whatever it is. Good vibes are important!
5). And lastly, be kind to yourself. It’s okay if you’ve been a bit lazy. It happens. We’re human, and we should actually, we must be kind to ourselves. Being harsh doesn’t help, ever!
And now I leave you guys with a wonderful poem. Have a great week and I hope we all conquer our problems and climb upon them to the peak of the mountains!
