How to Relax Despite Having a Busy Schedule

Hey there! Last week was a crazy one filled with an exam, a career fair, tons of projects and assignments, and club meetings. I didn't have a chance to write a blogpost but if I had, this is the blogpost I would have needed! Honestly I put some of these ideas into practice this week as it was another busy one including a football game last night.

To put it simply, my schedule has been absolutely crazy recently. Somedays I feel like all I'm doing is running from one thing to the next. However, the good thing is that each thing I'm committed to is something that I enjoy. It's just with all of these things together, life is a little busy.

I'm the kind of person who values time to myself and time to unwind. When my day is busy this is even more important. While it is difficult to find the time to actually relax, I try to focus on quick activities that allow me to calm down and find peace even if only for a moment or two. For today's blogpost, I thought I'd share just a few of these ideas. I hope you enjoy!

1. Read, even if only for a short time.

Reading gives your mind some time to focus and process something specific. Once school starts, reading for pleasure is always something I wish I had more time for. Reading a textbook is absolutely nothing like reading a good mystery or romance novel. I currently have a long list of books I want to read just sitting on my phone waiting for Thanksgiving or Winter Break. I am making it a goal of mine to start a book and read it in short spurts throughout the week: while riding the bus to class, for a few minutes before bed, or when taking a break from doing homework. This practice will not only allow me to be interested in something concrete, but will give me the chance to relax as well.

For my summer post on some of my favorite books, click HERE.

2. Jam out to music you love.

One of the ways I currently relax is by listening to Spotify in the few minutes I have between classes. On the weekends I like to find new songs to add to my favorite playlists. Plugging in my headphones and cueing up some of my favorite songs allows me to tune out the sounds of the busy world and take a couple deep breaths.

Some of my favorite songs currently are:

Another Day in Paradise // Quinn XCII

Lighthouse // Phillip Larue

Pancakes // LANY

This Town // Kygo, Sasha Sloan

3. Exercise your creativity.

When I'm crazy busy, something that calms me down is being creative. Usually this means busting out my watercolor set and taking a break to paint or letter. Sometimes I force myself to take a break to watercolor amidst homework and studying. Then I am forced to be more productive and think more creatively when I'm working. Watercoloring is not only a tool I use to relax, but is also just an activity I enjoy doing when I have free time.

4. Take a walk or exercise.

Sometimes I study or work on homework for hours on end without moving from my spot. Getting up and taking a walk or exercising in any way gets your blood flowing again and give you the opportunity to restart you mind and get ready for what's a head (even if its even more studying).

5. Make spending time with God a priority.

This has been one of my weekly goals recently. In the midst of a busy schedule it is far too easy for me to fall into the belief that I don't have time for God. It is difficult to spend time with God when it isn't my first priority. I'm left to try and shove it in to the little slots of time I have remaining. However, when I prioritize spending time in the word, journaling, and praying, I become more productive and have a better perspective in general.

6. Spend time with people you love who allow you to be yourself.

I've found that the greatest breath of fresh air when I'm overwhelmed is being surrounded by my closest friends. If possible, take a break to have some fun with those people who make you laugh and forget about the busyness of life for a moment. Spend time with the people who are willing to invest in your life and love you although you may not always have a ton of time to share with them. Those friends are the ones who will be around for a while and are capable of providing a sense of peace.

I hope these ideas helped you and will serve as a starting point when you find yourself overwhelmed and with a packed schedule. These are just some of my favorite methods of relaxation, the ones that work best for me. As always, thanks for tuning in to Madison From Madison!

#LIFESTYLE