As college students, we are busy. It's a known fact. We are constantly worried about our classes, homework, and clubs. Sure, it keeps us busy, but usually what it results in is stress. There is not one college student out there who has never been stressed. How do we beat this stress? We don't. But we can find ways to make it more manageable. Here are a few things we can make time for to make ourselves happier.
1. Read a book.
For pleasure, I mean. As an English Major, I spend A LOT of time reading. I love reading, but sometimes I really get sick of reading stuff that's assigned. I love reading mysteries and thrillers, which are a little harder to find in an English class. I make it a point to read something for fun before I go to sleep. Not only do you get a little pleasure reading in, but reading before you sleep actually helps prepare your brain for sleep more, resulting in a better sleep.
2. Exercise.
I know everyone says this -- if you go on any "self-help" site, it will probably tell you to exercise. There's a reason for that. Exercise isn't just for keeping our bodies fit; it really helps our brains too. I make a point to exercise at lease three times a week. It doesn't even have to be rigorous as long as it makes you move. Go on a walk. Do some low-impact yoga. Move your body.
3. Spend time outdoors.
Ask any of my friends, and they'll tell you that I am not an outdoorsy person. Far from it. However, it's important for our bodies to be outdoors and get a little sunshine and fresh air. We spend most of our day cooped up inside a classroom or a library that we forget that we have this whole entire world outside. Take advantage of it.
4. Do something creative.
Paint, write, create music, knit, crochet, or whatever it is you enjoy doing. In my free time, if I'm just watching Netflix or something, I'll try to knit or crochet while I'm doing it. You don't have to be good at it -- I love painting and I'm absolutely horrid -- it just helps to have something that you can channel your creative energies into.
5. Hang out with friends.
My best friends and I have a weekly "girls' night". We cook dinner, talk, and watch a movie. This is a time when you can not think about school and just be with your friends.That may not be what you and your friends do, but being with friends really does help get your mind off of your stress.
6. Take some "you time".
Whether it's napping, watching Netflix, or just being alone, taking "you time" is important. It helps you recharge and be the best you you can be! Now, I'm not saying that you should spend all of your time taking "you time", because that would be bad for school, but take an hour or two a week to just be alone.
7. Do absolutely nothing.
Give your brain a break! You use it pretty much 24/7 and it works hard to learn all of the things you need and keep you alive. Take five or ten minutes out of your day to do absolutely nothing. If you're a beginner, corpse pose, or Savasana, is a great place to start. You literally just lie on your back, close your eyes, and do nothing.
