Going to college can become extremely stressful between classes, sports, friends, extracurriculars, and trying to have a good time. It is important to take time to destress and listen to your body. Over doing yourself can be physically and mentally exhausting. So I have come up with a list of 10 ways to help you destress.
1. Take part in a small calming activity.
Personally, I find coloring very relaxing. There is a variety of coloring books, but my personal favorite is the "Mini Mandala Coloring Book." You can purchase it at Odyssey Book Shop for $10.
If you don't find coloring or drawing relaxing, then some other activities to try may be listening to music, making music, yoga, meditating, writing, reading, finding dogs on campus to pet, or it may even be as small an activity as sipping some tea. I recommend herbal or green tea.
2. Hit up the health center.
Stress can cause incredible fatigue and other mental symptoms, so I highly recommend going to counseling services at the health center. You can call to make appointments, but they also accept walk-ins. The people at counseling services are some of the nicest and most understanding people on campus. Talking about what is causing stress in your life can be one of the most helpful things to do for your mental health.
3. Don't isolate yourself.
Staying in bed all day may be OK once and a while, but seeing your friends and being social can help your brain relax. A fun activity to do with friends is go to Thirsty Minds. The coffee shop has plenty of games (my friends and I play Life), but they also have a variety of books for only $1. Try picking out different books for your friends that you think they will enjoy!
4. Spend time with nature.
Connecting with nature can be one of the biggest stress relievers. During the winter it can be difficult to want to connect to nature because it can be extremely frigid cold. However, one of the best parts of Mount Holyoke is the greenhouse! It's so warm during the winter and it is beautifully amazing. Just touching the leaves of giant plants in the very back room can relieve stress.
5. Smells the roses, literally.
Even if you don't have any actual roses to actually smell, you can grab some essential oils or flower essences. Just putting a dab on your wrist can automatically calm you down. This form of aromatherapy isn't overpowering. Taking some flower essences and spraying your pillow before going to sleep can lead you into a deep and relaxing sleep.
6. Positive affirmations.
Writing down or telling yourself positive affirmations can change your mindset. Even if you are feeling crummy, fake smiling and positive self-talk can easily help. Although you may think they won't help, I promise they will help your mind feel better.
7. Listen your way to relaxation.
Many people swear by Tibetan singing bowls for sound healing to bring our minds back into balance. But many of us don't have singing bowls or tuning forks. However, there are many calming noise apps. The App Store has apps for sounds like running rivers or tuning forks. YouTube also holds endless sound-healing videos.
8. Exercise.
We all know those health nuts who swear by running to relax stress, and if you are one of those people, then more power to you! However, if you are more like me and running is not your forte, then even just taking a small walk can boost endorphins your mind. Staying fit and exercising can boost self-esteem and happiness. Think about the "Legally Blonde" quote where Elle explains why the client could not have killed her husband: "I just don't think that Brooke could've done this. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."
9. Shower Power.
Taking a warm, relaxing shower can instantly de-stress you. The warm water will create steam to open your lungs for better breathing. While in the shower, taking deep, long breaths will calm your mind for instant stress relief.
10. Reach for the stars.
Looking at the infinite amount of stars instantly relaxes some people, while it can overwhelm others. However, if you find beauty in space and our universe, I highly recommend taking 15 minutes to embrace the beauty of our world.
