When Life Gives You Lemons

Over the last month or so, my life has taken a serious U-Turn. I've gone from lazing about, filling my days with Gilmore Girls binges and coffee catch ups, to having responsibilities that actually matter and impact on my life. A job, four 2,500 word essays (I thought first year was meant to be easy), an important competition which I'm creating a seventeen minute presentation for, and then all the usual lectures and seminars which fill my life. And for the first few weeks, I was left feeling like there just isn't enough hours in the day. I was knackered, getting up early for meetings and going to bed late due to working on essays, planning my days by the hour to make sure everything would be done. I didn't see my friends, I didn't go on nights out, and I definitely didn't have coffee catch ups. I was stressed. Probably more stressed than I have been in a long time, and it had an effect on everything I did and everything I am, I stopped being Alice-y and started being a robot. 

I've been asked a few times to write a post on how I deal with stress. So, I thought what better time to bring out this anti-stress post, then write about it during my most stressful week at university so far! If you live away from home, or even if you live at home, I would recommend the first thing to do is talk to somebody who is completely objective from whatever stress you're under. I ended up calling my mum, who told me to write a list and plan out what I needed to do and when I needed it all done by. It's likely that your peers will be under the same or similar pressure as you, and sometimes you need a fresh face to tell you it's going to be okay, and help you find a way to sort through the mess.

As suggested, I wrote out everything and although it made me want to cry briefly, because I really was not imagining how much I had to do, by separating it all into deadlines, I found I was able to think about one thing at a time and dedicate my time to that project in turn, rather than half heartedly rush everything. I still make 'To Do' lists at the start of everyday. Sometimes not even a literal one, but every single morning I have at least a mental list of what needs accomplishing today and what I can leave out for a while.

I also wrote reminders on my wall and stuck them up to make sure I didn't go back to my old method of just buckling under pressure. I have two lists on my pin board above my desk, one is called 'Key Quotes to a Happy Life' containing life quotes to put things into perspective and the other is 'It's a Bad Day, Not a Bad Life', which is a list of things to do when I feel like the world is on top of me. I've used them a couple of times throughout the last month, but generally it's just nice to know they're there.

The one point I can't stress enough (how punny!) is taking time out to do something for yourself. It doesn't matter what that is, whether you want to go to the gym or take a bath or read a book. I fit mine in right at the beginning and right at the end of the day, so I feel like the middle can be as productive as possible. I get up earlier than needed so I can spend an hour in the gym and start my day feeling motivated  and then just before I go to bed I take time to read a bit of my book, or watch an episode of something or other, just to take my mind off it! I also have an indulgent night once a week without fail, no matter how busy I am. It's so important when you're doing loads of things at once to take time for yourself, and doing this gives me something to look forward to for the week. I was lucky enough to be sent some face masks from Montagne Jeunesse (available at most drugstores) and oh my goodness gracious me, they've made such a difference that I actually went out and bought some when I'd finished the originals. It can be really hard to keep up a skincare routine, and I don't know about you, but sometimes when I'm worried or stressed it makes me break out. Using face masks at least once a week is ideal, it keeps my skin hydrated and there's just an element of feeling like you've deserved to treat yourself! My favourite was the Very Berry one which I highly recommend for anyone with dry skin. But I've been a regular user of Montagne Jeunesse for years now, and I've never found fault in any of their products. The Very Berry one is just my new go-to!

Being stressed out can put a huge downer on life, I've learnt that recently in particular. But it's so important to take time for yourself and find a way to conquer the stress. Mind maps, lists, me-time, it all adds up and eventually you'll feel like time-management is a super power of yours!

Have a lovely rest of week,
I'd love some suggestions for blog posts if anyone has any, what would you like to read? Feel free to comment or email me!
Ciao for Now!
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