College is undoubtedly a stressful experience in many aspects: deadlines, exams, group projects, presentations, lab reports, readings, etc. The list goes on and on. But it is crucial to our mental health and overall well-being that we take some time to let ourselves relax every once in a while. Although it is unreasonable to believe that any broke college student is capable of having an expensively luxurious "Treat Yo Self" day much like Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle do on Parks and Recreation, there are simpler ways to relax when you're stuck on a college budget.
Take a walk.
One of the simplest pleasures in the world. Get out of your room. Leave the library. Find a nice path to walk down, or even just walk down campus for a few minutes. Clear your head, get some fresh air, take in the scenery and then come back to your schoolwork with a fresh mindset.
Put on some comfy clothes.
There is nothing greater than breaking out the yoga pants after a long day. Throw on a t-shirt, climb in bed and let yourself unwind.
Nap.
Sometimes our minds just need a break. Even if it's just a 30 minute power nap, I guarantee you'll feel much better and refreshed afterward.
Paint your nails.
Because honestly, who has $40 to spend on a mani/pedi in college? Walk over to CVS, buy a new shade you like and pamper yourself without the cost.
Take a shower.
Even if you don't need one. You'll feel much calmer after a nice long shower. Put on some music, stand under the shower head and let the warm water droplets ease your tension and wash your troubles away.
Watch some Netflix.
Everyone deserves a break every now and then. Even if it's just a 20 minute episode of your favorite show in-between study sessions, let your mind relax for a bit before you continue your vigorous studying. Your mind can only handle so much at once.
Drink a cold glass of water.
Hydration is always important, especially as the weather starts to warm up. Those walks to class can be brutal under the boiling sun. Fill up a water bottle before class with some cold water and an abundance of ice so you can make sure you stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.
Tidy up your room.
It'll make studying/doing homework a lot more pleasant, and will make you feel productive in the process. It's amazing how much easier it is to get work done if you're sitting in a clean room on a nicely-made bed. Let's face it, the room probably needs to be cleaned anyway.
Eat a healthy snack.
Your body will thank you for it later. You need to fuel yourself with healthy foods if you're going to be up all night cramming for a test. Put down the Cheez-Its and grab a banana. You'll feel much better later.
Make some tea.
Or coffee. Or hot chocolate. Or whatever warm drink you prefer to soothe you while you get your work done. Doing homework will feel like a much more tranquil experience if you sip on some satisfying chai tea while doing it.
Purchase some soft blankets.
Seriously, go to your local Target and buy the softest blanket you can find. Everything seems better when you're wrapped up in a fleece blanket.
Allot some time to relax.
With such a busy schedule, it may seem like you constantly have something to do. But if you allot a specific amount of relaxation time each day to let yourself de-stress, you'll be much happier and healthier in the long-run. Even if all you do during that time is lay in bed and scroll through Instagram for 15 minutes, it is imperative to allow your mind and body to rest, even if it is just for a short period of time.
