PINNACLE March 2016 | Page 16

Tiny Ways to Help Clear Your Mind

• Close all your internet tabs except the one you’re using.

• Delete all your unnecessary text messages and emails. If you’re afraid you may need something for future reference, the archive button will remove it from your inbox but the message will still show up in searches.

• Unfollow negative people on social media.

• Throw things away. Do you really need it, or do you hoard in case of something that will likely never happen? If you don’t remember what’s in that pile, it’s most likely not important enough to keep.

• Clean off your desk. Make it a clean surface.

• Open the curtains or blinds and let in some light. Even if it’s nighttime, you can see the stars and moon.

• Wash your face and brush your teeth. You’ll feel refreshed.

• Plan out your week or make a to-do list. Dump it all onto paper so you don’t feel like your mind is crammed with tasks to keep track of.

What to Do You’re When Feeling D o wn

• Make a list of positive affirmations. What do you like about yourself? What

are some compliments you’ve received? Print them out and keep them handy.

• Go on a compliment spree - send anonymous compliments to your favorite

blogs.

• Sing and dance along to familiar music.

• Read a favorite book, watch a favorite show or video, or play a favorite

video game.

• Keep a record of what you’ve done. Seeing all you’ve accomplished can be a

nice morale boost.

• Don’t sacrifice hobbies for school. Finding a passion is rare and valuable. Cut

down around busy times if you really have to, but don’t let it go.

• Find a healthy emotional outlet. This might be exercise,

talking to friends, using a site like the thoughts room to vent,

making, drawing or writing something, hitting a pillow or

scribbling your anger and sadness away. Anything

that deals with your emotions and doesn’t hurt anyone is a good outlet.

• Don’t push yourself more than you can handle. Motivation is great, but if it leads to a mental breakdown, you’ve gone too far. Try to be aware of how much you can really manage. Don’t stop giving your 100%, but don’t go past it either. Try to improve your 100%.

Self Care Tips

By Jasmine