I’m linking up with the Mar, Cynthia and Courtney for the Friday Five for the first time in a while. This week is a free day so I’ve decided that my topic is going to be stress, specifically the five things I do to ensure that I combat stress!
It’s the start of a new semester and while I don’t think that things will be as crazy as they were in the spring (Saturday classes about did me in), I know things will definitely get stressful. I feel like I’m currently in the calm before the storm right now, and I honestly think this weekend is going to be my last weekend where I don’t feel like I have something looming over my head. The projects are about to start!
So with that in mind, I know I need to keep my sanity!
Crafting
I love crafting, mainly crocheting and jewelry making, but I dabble in so many other things as well, and during the school year there are few things more relaxing than crocheting for a few minutes during a study break. I’m able to turn my brain off and focus on the stitches, plus I
end up making something really cool!
Coloring
This is a new one for me, but I recently dove into the world of adult coloring! I saw an article about it and immediately went to Amazon to buy Enchanted Forest and Secret Garden by Johanna Bassford. The pictures are so beautiful, and it’s the great way to end a stressful day.
Running
This wouldn’t be a proper list if I didn’t include running on here. I always make sure to make time to go for a run, especially if I feel things are starting to get crazy. Running outside and enjoying the nature and just being in my head allows me to feel at peace. It’s a good thing this one is on my list because I’ll be running a lot more as my half marathon approaches, eek!
Sleep!
I didn’t do the best job of prioritizing this last semester. While I didn’t pull any all nighters I definitely stayed up later than I should have a few times. One of my biggest goals for this semester is to aim for at least 7 ½ hours of sleep a night, hopefully I can work my way up to 8 hours eventually. I always just feel better when I have a full night’s rest.
My boyfriend
I can hear the “awws” now! However, he is so incredibly supportive of everything I do from going to grad school, which I know takes up more of my free time than he’s happy with, and all the running I do. I always know I can rely on him to keep me steady if I feel that things are getting out of control.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to use all of this for this coming semester.
What are some things that help to keep you calm?
Its so important to find things to help us relax! Running is definitely one for me too, along with having a glass of wine:) Lately I have also enjoyed reading outside!
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I should have included wine! Unfortunately due to some stomach issues I’ve had to give it up for a little bit, so I didn’t think of it.
I used to read outside when I was in school, haven’t done it in a long while, but it definitely is so relaxing!
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I have just recently been reading about these adult coloring books. I would feel guilty sitting down to color when I should be doing something productive but I see where this would be relaxing.
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When I’ve just spent a few hours studying and working on class projects I rarely feel bad about coloring for a half hour haha! Just something to turn my brain off is enough for me to make me feel refreshed enough to get back to studying!
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Running is definitely one of the most important things that keep me calm, Elizabeth! But also travel!
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