I don’t know about you guys, but I am almost constantly stressed. Like most college students, I’m trying to balance so many things at once—participating in extracurriculars, having a job, staying in contact with friends and family from home, maintaining a social life here at school—and sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming. I know sometimes it feels like a lot of people are expecting a lot of things from you, but just know that it’s okay to take some time for yourself, even if it feels like you shouldn’t. Taking care of yourself should always be your priority.
So, with that in mind, I’ve constructed a list of a few things that you (and I) can do to relax when it starts to feel like it’s all too much. I’m by no stretch of the imagination a mental health professional; if none of these suggestions tickles your fancy, then feel free to do a Google search or talk to a doctor. Make sure you find something that works for you.
1. Aromatherapy
Scent plays an important role in our lives, and I think it’s one of the senses that we take for granted. Without scent, we would never have a need to wear perfume or cologne; we would never be able to smell a campfire or chocolate or gasoline. Incense or essential oils are probably the best way to go on this one (though I’d skip the incense if you live in a dorm). Pick a scent you find relaxing—I suggest lavender, but you do you—and sniff away!
2. Listening to Music
Sometimes music calms me down in ways that other things simply can’t. You honestly don’t even have to pick calming music; just pick your favorite songs. (It’s okay to listen to angry songs too...every once in a while that can be more comforting than any other kind of music.)
3. Pets or Soft Things
There are a lot of health benefits to having Mr. Whiskers or Fido around, but unfortunately, it’s hard to have access to animals while you’re at school. I mean, Heidelberg University frequently has visitors of the canine variety (our professors love bringing their pets to class), but usually it’s hard to come across a fuzzy buddy that doesn’t have rabies. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend that has a pet, try to invite yourself over for some petting time. If that doesn’t work? Just find something soft—a pillow, a blanket, a shirt—and just hold onto it.
4. Meditation
I think meditation is a pretty great way to zone out and be in your own headspace for a while. Feeling yourself drift away from all of your problems is the most incredible feeling. Start off with some calming music (there are plenty of playlists on YouTube) and take deep breaths. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling relaxed and mellowed out.
5. Journaling
If you’re like me and find writing therapeutic, then I suggest keeping a journal. It doesn’t have to be a physical thing, even—a digital version would also suffice. Writing out your frustrations is not only a way for you to get it out of your system, but it may also help you see a solution to your problems.
6. Counseling/Talking to Someone
Similar to keeping a journal, just talking to somebody about what’s going on in your head can be incredibly helpful. I know not everyone is comfortable with the idea of therapy or counseling, but even talking to a friend can make a world of difference, especially one that knows how to listen and be supportive. After all, isn’t that what friends are for?
I hope you found some of this useful, but again, feel free to find the method that works best for you. There are a million options out there that I didn’t even mention—please explore your options. I hope you have a fun, stress-free (or at least, a less stressful) semester!
