#NoStressNovember
5 Ways to Keep Your Mind at Ease and Destress this November
Deep breath in… 😮💨
We’re in the home stretch of 2025 and there is so much going on it is hard to keep up. Exam prep, last minute assignments, packing to head home for the holidays, gift shopping, holiday parties, work events, everything is happening and it’s happening all at once, it’s exciting, and it’s stressful.
Let’s take a moment to pause and get away from the noise. Grab a stress ball, put on some comfy clothes, and sit back while we go over 5 tips to help keep your mind at ease while we ease into No Stress November.
Tip 1. Get Active ⛹️♀️🧘♂️
One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is with physical activity and getting your body moving. Whether that’s taking part in a yoga or dance class or going for a walk with your furry friends, incorporating exercise into your routine releases endorphins and helps to improve your overall well-being.
Go on a brisk walk or bike ride to help ease your mind from academic pressure and connect with nature. Spending time outdoors significantly improves mood and reduces stress levels, providing a fun and refreshing way to take a quick study break.
Tip 2. Practice Mindfulness 🧠💡
Feeling stressed but have a limited amount of space and time to work with? Practicing mindfulness through meditation and deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety from basically anywhere at any time.
Try focusing on your breathing before a big exam or check out some guided meditation apps to keep the good vibes going.
Tip 3. Create Something 🎨📝
One of the best ways to destress is by taking a break from the screens and disconnecting. Try creative hobbies like painting, drawing, or crafting to find a therapeutic escape from the world around you.
You could create a memory box, try your hand at crocheting, or create a wall collage for your dorm room to have a relaxing way to express your creativity while making something unique to you that you can look back on later.
Crafting not your forte? Try writing instead. Journaling and writing down your thoughts and feelings is a great way to not only relieve stress but also process any troubling emotions. Keeping a journal, even if you’re only writing a few lines each day, can help to improve your mood and allow time for reflection.
Writing down your thoughts and goals can provide clarity and help keep stress levels low during overwhelming times. Want to get fancy with it? Try bullet or junk journalling. There is no right or wrong way to journal, each page can be completely different and its own adventure.
Tip 4. Practice Self Care 💆♀️🛀
Doing something for yourself on the outside can positively impact how you’re feeling on the inside. Set aside some time in your busy schedule where your sole focus is yourself and doing what makes you feel good.
Maybe it’s running a bath with a favourite candle and bath bomb, going for a drive and listening to your no stress playlist, watching a new bingeable Netflix show with your favourite snacks, or even getting dressed up just to take selfies, slowing down and taking time for yourself is the perfect feel-good way to lower stress levels and take a break from academic pressure.
Tip 5. Get Social 🫂 👥
Sometimes the best way to unwind is with your pals, and no, we’re not talking about raging parties or bars. If you’re feeling down or isolated, participating in chill group activities can alleviate those feelings, lift your mood, and reduce stress.
Try going for a nature walk with your bestie or invite your crew over for a movie and paint night. A good night with friends can foster a sense of community and help everyone destress and relax, taking your mind off the craziness of exam season for a little while.
…And out 🌬️
November is a busy month, but it doesn’t have to be as nerve-wracking as it seems. Incorporating these stress-relievers into your routine can be beneficial when it comes to managing stress and anxiety levels, leaving you feeling more relaxed and levelheaded.
Remember, regardless of how you unwind, whether that’s creatively, socially, or physically, finding what works best for you is key to maintaining mental well-being and overall happiness which in turn sets you up for academic success.
Take a breather, you’ve got this. 💚 ✨
