Between classes, work, sports, or a combination of these, college can get really stressful, really fast. Speaking from experience, putting too much on your plate can cause major meltdowns at inopportune times. Sometimes it just takes a little down time to unwind from the craziness of life. Anything from food to sleep can help reduce stress in a college student’s life, as long as they are enjoying whatever they are doing. Taking breaks are vital to a college student’s sanity. Here’s a few ways that you can decompress after a long day.

1. Go on adventures.

Adventures are a vital part of every college student’s life. Whether these adventures be rock climbing, learning to dance, or just a midnight Walmart run, any time to get away from campus is beneficial. Some of my favorite memories have been from these “adventures” that my friends and I have taken.

2. Take a nap.

This is an important one. Naps are quite possibly the best thing that has ever been invented when it comes to being in college. I’ve had many a night where I’ve had to stay up until two or three in the morning and taking a nap the next day was the only way I would stay awake to be able to do homework the next night. My friend Susan even has “Two-Nap Tuesday” every week, just because she likes to nap so much. Trust me, naps are a college student’s best friend.

3. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!!

Chocolate is amazing. It not only tastes wonderful, but it has calming qualities that help lower stress levels! Now I know why my nightly hot chocolate study break was so enjoyable. Well, the chocolate plus the taking a break from homework…Maybe I just like procrastinating.

4. Spend time with the Lord.

While napping is important, this is the most important point of this entire article. When you don’t spend time in the Word, there is no way that you can be completely stress-free. For those of you who don’t spend time with God much, or even at all, I just want to tell you that you’re missing out. Whenever I’m stressed or anxious about something, I can always know that God will be with me and will help me get through whatever I’m stressed about. Here’s a few Bible references to look up when you’re stressed: James 1:2-4; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 40:31; Deuteronomy 31:6.

5. Exercise.

Working out can be difficult. I’ve been trying to get into a routine of exercising all summer and I’m horrible at it. However, I’ve noticed that when I do exercise, I’m in a much better mood. Like I said before, college students need to take breaks from homework to stay sane. Exercise is a good way to keep your brain stimulated while also giving your body a break from sitting around all day.

6. Be a child again.

Blanket forts, coloring books, and Disney movies have been some of my favorite items throughout my college career. Whether it’s a snow day, a Saturday, of just a Tuesday afternoon, wearing pj’s and building forts can bring out the child in anyone. I especially like to sit by my window with my Disney Princess coloring book with a fuzzy blanket and a Disney Princess movie when I’m overly stressed. Becoming a child again, if just for a few minutes, can help you forget the troubles of the school year for a little while.

7. Participate in Extracurriculars!

I’ve always loved the extracurricular aspects of college. My favorites are singing and acting, but I also love to watch the athletes play the sports they love as well. I especially like to act when I need to get away from homework because I can become someone else for a short time. You can also bring other points of this article together through extracurriculars. Playing sports on a school team can help in the exercise department, and I’ve been on many an adventure with a singing group or at musical rehearsal.

8. Friend Time.

Friends can be a part of many of the other ways I’ve mentioned, but be sure to have some time to spend with friends every week. A simple movie night of sitting on the couch together can do wonders for your mood and stress levels, even if you don’t notice until later. Sometimes, a game of wallyball at night can turn a horrible day around in a second. Even if you feel like you don’t have time for them, make sure to schedule some time to work on your friendships and make them stronger throughout the year.

While some of these may seem silly or pointless, trust me, they all work. Every college student needs a good balance of work and play to be successful, and these are just a few ways to help even out the scales. I hope these help you as you go through this next school year!