College can be one of the most stressful times of your life. Everything is fun in the beginning of the semester and then about one month in, professors enjoy slamming you with exams, papers, projects and presentations- all in one week. Thanks guys- we really appreciate it. When that time comes around, I usually find myself on the verge of breaking down, mentally and physically. With pulling all-nighters, and drinking so much caffeine I start to worry about my heart’s condition, I usually want to give up; although, I always make it through alive. Along the way, and after many breaking points, I have discovered some techniques and activities that help me de-stress. Sometimes we are so focused on what we need to get done, that we forget to take care of ourselves- which is the most important thing. So next time you feel yourself getting to that point, maybe try some of these things and you’ll realize you are sane after all.
1. Cleaning
While the actual cleaning part sucks, the end result is extremely pleasing. What’s nice about cleaning is that there is an end point, and you can actually see results once you’re done. Take your kitchen for example, it could be an absolute disaster, and even looking at it probably stresses you out. Crank up the tunes, dedicate 15 minutes to wiping down the counters and clearing out the dishes, and I swear you will feel much better. Once it’s done, you can look at the great job you did and realize you have some things in your life under control.
2. Exercising
This is a given. For many people, exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Whatever you do, whether it’s running, kickboxing, lifting, dancing, it helps you forget about your problems, and focus on bettering yourself. Get some boxing gloves and pretend the punching bag is your professor.
3. Coloring or drawing
I’m sure you’ve seen those adult coloring books that are meant to be “therapeutic”. Well they are. It’s easy to get lost in shading in-between the lines of an intricately patterned flower. I know it sounds pretty basic, but you won’t know unless you give it a go.
4. Chopping up vegetables
I love vegetables. Eating them, cooking them, but especially cutting them. There are such a variety of textures and colors, and for the most part they can be sliced in a variety of ways. This allows you to be creative, and it is also a step toward eating nutritiously. Which many times…we forget to do in college because ramen and pizza are so convenient.
5. Leisurely reading
Textbooks don’t count as leisurely. I’m talking Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Fifty Shades of Grey. I know they are all movies and TV shows, and why would you read something if you can just watch Netflix? But it is relaxing to read something other than a textbook once in a while.
6. Wearing new socks
This is a weird one, but who doesn’t love the feeling of new socks? If I have a pair of new socks lying around (which isn’t often, usually around the holidays), I’ll slip those bad boys on if it’s been a rough week. It’s like a really simple, yet nice reward.
7. Reorganizing your drawers
In the beginning of the semester I am neat and organized; I have all my shirts, pants, socks, underwear, etc. put away somewhat orderly. This usually becomes out of control very fast, and while I would like to stay organized that usually doesn’t happen during hectic times. So when I can’t find any pants because they’re either on the floor, in the laundry or with my underwear, I take the time and get organized. It makes life a lot easier. So when I’m rushing to class in the morning I’m not scavenging to find a pair of pants.
8. Breathing
This is the easiest and most important thing. It takes 30 seconds. Close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose until you can’t inhale anymore, and then slowly exhale. If you do this three times when the world feels like it’s crashing down on you, you will realize that it’s not, and that everything is going to be okay.
