Being a college student can be extremely taxing. We're expected to maintain good grades, work and have social lives all while keeping our skin zit-free and holding on to our scholarships for dear life. We're supposed to be having the times of our lives, but being busy is exhausting. Every now and then, I find myself in need of alone time, and while it feels so dang weird to take a little time for myself, I know a calm within the constant busy storm of my life is necessary.
If you're an exhausted college kid and need some "me time," here are some ways to "treat yo self" while being alone:
1. Read a good book.
No matter if you have assignments due or friends wanting you to go out every night or weekend, taking the time to read a dang good book is important. Whether it's a graphic novel or a biography the size of "War and Peace," chilling out and reading is one way to build your energy back up.
2. Watch a movie.
If you can't sit still long enough to focus and read a book, watch your favorite movie. I know watching "13 Going on 30" or "Hairspray" and eating some popcorn by myself while I sing along and recite my favorite lines mellows me out big time.
3. Go shopping alone.
Shopping alone can be unbelievably therapeutic. I love to shop with my friends and try on clothes among other things, but going alone gives you time to make your own decisions and not be influenced by your friends' thoughts you always want to listen to.
4. Bake something!
When was the last time you had a homemade dessert? Trying new recipes for cakes and other sweets is super fun, and while you're in college, making time to make anything that didn't come out of a dining hall or cellophane wrapper is important. If I'm in need to some downtime, I always bake a cobbler and watch one of my favorite movies like I was talking about before. (If you're lacking inspiration, these scones are to die for!)
5. Organize your life.
If you don't have a planner or calendar with all your plans in it, I seriously do not know how you are able to keep up with anything. Being a highly disorganized extrovert, I always need to write down my plans because flying by the seat of my pants never works in my favor. Starting by getting an agenda and writing down all your appointments is a great way to start, then you can go on to organizing your room or desk. It's time-consuming, but the process of getting your ducks in a row will, in turn, give you some time to build up the energy needed to execute your plans.
6. Sing some awesome karaoke.
Singing well or terribly mellows folks out to an amazing degree. Cutting loose is important, and while karaoke in front of people may not be your "thing" there's always bedroom, kitchen and car karaoke to participate in. I always recommend pretending to be in a music video if you're feeling super frisky.
Take some time to chill by being alone and not doing homework, for once. Do you have any tips for how to take a break from the college life? Let us know in the comments below!
