There is no denying that college students are becoming increasingly more stressed out over time. Between classes, extracurriculars, and finding other ways to boost the resume, there is hardly time for anything else. This extent of stress can only result in a few things -- burnout and mental breakdowns. In order to prevent these outcomes, it is important to find time for self-care in college.
Do some yoga
Even if you just do it for 10 or 15 minutes, yoga is a perfect way to center your body, mind, and soul. It is a quick and easy way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Check out this link for some beginner inspiration:
Take a shower
Cleaning yourself may seem like a no-brainer. However, while caught up in everything else happening, this simple thing can often be pushed onto the back-burner. Taking a nice, hot shower can be therapeutic and a form of meditation. Very good for stress relief and relaxing muscle tension.
Do a simple craft
Crafting may seem child-like, but it is one of my favorite ways to distract myself from stress. Grab a coloring book, do some finger painting, tie-dye a shirt, or make some friendship bracelets.
Order or make your favorite food
Your favorite food can bring you back to your roots; it could bring back happy memories of your childhood. It is a simple way to reward yourself for a job well done at life.
Take a walk
Staying cooped up inside studying all day could put a real strain on your mental health. Going outside to stretch your legs and take a breath of fresh air could totally recenter you. Go to your local park, down by the beach, around your college campus, or even just around your neighborhood.
Make a phone call
Sometimes a phone call to someone who supports you no matter what. It will allow you to let out your emotions and sift through them. It could also allow for some mindless banter and chit-chat to get your mind off of life.
Sleep
Sleep is not just a way to allow yourself to face the day. Sleep is a way to reward yourself for a job well done. It is a way to rest your body and your mind. It also doesn’t just need to be at night -- naps in the middle of the day are absolutely delightful.
Meditate
Meditation is not lame; it is a highly helpful way to recenter oneself. Try this link for a start to meditation:
Hydrate yourself
While coffee will get you through tests and projects, it won’t be super helpful in the long run. Make sure to drink a couple of glasses of water every single day in order to help your body run more smoothly and to prevent excess stress.
Scream
Into a pillow, down an alley, just into the air, whatever. Taking a nice good scream may seem counterproductive, but stress can actually build up and screaming is just a way to easily let it all out.
