6 Ways to Relax This Winter

We all know that winter is the most hectic time of the year. Between finals, the holidays, and the start of a new semester, it can feel like you're constantly on the go. Here are six simple ways to relax during these chaotic months:

Keep a Journal

Journaling has been proven time and time again to assist in lowering stress levels, which is exactly what most of us need, well, all the time, but especially during the busy winter months. Journaling can take many different forms, and I would encourage all of you to really explore it and see what option works best for you.

Some people like to blog online, and some people like to just recount their day. Some people take a moment to write a poem or prose to get some of the emotional tension of the day out of their system. And I'm sure you've all noticed the bullet journal craze, an interesting combination of a journal and a hand written daily planner. 

No matter how you do it, taking a moment to yourself to get the day's load off of your shoulders is a great way to get some quiet time, as well as a wonderful way to keep you from getting too worked up during the craziest time of the year. 

Light a Candle

No matter how hectic life gets, there's something about a burning candle that really calms the senses. Not only is it visually pleasing: the warm light, the flickering flame, the lit glass jar, and the illuminated colored wax, but the scent of a candle (or at least, a good one) can work wonders on a crappy mood.

Next time you're feeling stifled and a little too uptight, grab a nice-smelling candle, light it, and let yourself enjoy the shift in the room as the wax melts. One match for an hour of happiness? I'll take that any day.

Clean Your Room

Okay, I know. I told you that this was an article about relaxing and now here I am trying to get you to clean, but I promise it helps. Not only is the act of cleaning extremely therapeutic once you get going, you're also creating a stress-free environment for yourself to enjoy until the next time you dirty the room. 

It's like they say: Clutter in the room = clutter in the brain. And we all know that having too much on your mind makes relaxing nearly impossible. Also... something about moldy dishes has that effect on the senses as well. So, get your butt moving, and in half an hour or less, you'll thank me and yourself.

Read a Book

Look, I know, you've been reading non-stop for months. But I don't mean read just any book. And I certainly don't mean that you should read a book that's been assigned for a class. Grab an old favorite, sit yourself down with a blanket and a warm drink, and just really enjoy the beauty of familiar words. 

Coming back to an old book can sometimes almost feel like coming home.

Take a Bath

I don't care what your gender is. Baths are not just for girls and they certainly aren't going to take away your masculinity. On that same line, bubble bath and bath bombs are also not gender specific. Besides, it's your bathroom. No one will ever know.

Seriously, though, there's nothing like relaxing in a warm pool of clean water surrounded by good smells. Let your muscles relax, enjoy some quiet time, and revel in the knowledge that literally no one will disturb you here.

Change Your Surroundings

No matter how much you love your dorm or your bedroom or wherever it is that you spend most of your time, sometimes we really just need a change of scenery. Now, this doesn't mean you have to fly out to the nearest beach, or even that you have to go somewhere entirely new. Maybe try an old park you loved as a child, or a museum, or a bookstore, or really just anywhere you enjoy being that gives you a sense of calm and tranquility. 

Life can seem too busy for to stop and relax. It can sometimes seem too packed to do anything at all, but that really isn't the case. Make time for yourself, and the rest of your life will seem a lot easier to handle.