College is stressful. Life is stressful and it can all get to be too much sometimes. That's when you have to take a step back. De-stressing is just as important as the long list of things begging for your attention. Taking time away, if only for a moment, will help you in the long run. So take five minutes, or five hours and do some things for yourself to distract yourself from the real world you are drowning in.
1. Cry
Sometimes you have to let it all out. Just let the stress flow our of you body in the form of tears. Then, you can pick yourself up and say, "its only going to get better from here."
2. Cook a Meal
Some people find it stressful to cook or bake, but some don’t. Personally, stopping everything to make myself a decent dinner makes everything better. You have to focus on what you're making, you cant wander back to homework, and at the end of it you get a yummy meal. It’s a win-win.
3. Go on social media 
Aimlessly scrolling through social media is a great way to take a break. This one is very easy to insert at any time. You have a five minute break from class; scroll through Instagram for five minutes of thinking free time. This can also be applied in larger amounts of time. Going deep into someones Facebook or Twitter is fun and brainless too, just don’t let them know.
4. Hang Out with Friends
Getting together with friends is always a good get away. You can talk about everything that’s stressing you out, or avoid it completely. Whichever you need. Talking to some one else about your problems can usually help you put them into perspective. Also, they are probably in the same place you are, or have been in the past and can offer advice. Or you can goof off, or catch up and not think about anything for a while.
5. Read a Book
No, not that one for class. The one that has been sitting on your shelf nagging you to read it. Read something that will allow your brain to explore the world.
6. Watch Netflix
Pick a movie and commit to 2 hours or pick a TV show and just watch one. Pick the genre you need in your laugh. You need tears, watch a rom-com. You need mind numbing humor, watch a show like "American Dad". You want to go on an journey, watch a action movie. Netflix has it all. And don't be afraid of watching something with a low rating it might surprise you.
7. Craft
Crafting is the perfect distraction. It takes lots of focus, but there is no learning you have to do. You just have to create. Lots of things fit under crafting. Whether its just coloring in a coloring book, or painting something, It will all do the trick.
8. Watch YouTube Videos
Youtube is a category all its own because its not quite like Netflix and not quite a social media. But it can be applied the same way as social media. A quick 5 minute BuzzFeed video, or a 20 minute, “Does This Thing Really Work” video. Or a bunch of both to waste lots of time.
9. Take a Nap
This is a big one. Stress (or that test you stayed up late studying for) can really cut into your sleep hours. Taking a short nap can revive you to get through the rest of the day. Taking a long nap can help you pick up a few hours you lost the night before. Just don’t get in the habit of napping to avoid responsibility; that’s a bad train to get on, and a hard one to get off.
So kick back and distress. Push away responsibility for a while and take some "you time." You'll thank yourself later.
