Taking Time For Yourself in College
Dorm life can be hectic. Especially in the first year of college, most freshmen share a room with a roommate, and share a hall with at least thirty other people. When they're not in the dorm, many students are either in the dining hall, library, classroom, or any other place you can think of that would be populated with many people at once.
In my first few months of school, I got really caught up in trying to make friends, join clubs, and balance my schoolwork. I didn't spend any time alone doing things I enjoyed. I sometimes felt lost, purposeless, or without any talent when I observed all of my amazing peers around me.
What I realized after that first quarter was that I wasn't taking any time to remind myself of the things I enjoy doing. Once I figured that out, it became a priority that every day I would do at least one thing that I enjoy doing individually. It has helped me focus back in on what's important to me, and since the activities are pretty mindless, it also gives me a space to let myself reflect on my days at school and what lies ahead. It's possible that not everyone will enjoy all of these activities, but maybe they'll provide some inspiration or spark some ideas!
1. Color or Paint
This one you can combine with others like listening to music or watching movies as well! I find that I reflect the most on my life when I'm doing a tactile activity that doesn't involve too much consideration. And it's fun, and feels kind of productive, because at the end of it all, you usually have something you can hang up on your wall!
2. Read
Keeping it simple. I used to read so much more than I do now because I would build it into my schedule. It might feel like you don't have time for reading, but I was able to read a novel per week this quarter on top of 11 other units. Granted, it was for a class, but it was a good reminder that I can budget time for reading, even if it's not at that pace.
3. Scrapbook
Another tactile and fun project can be scrapbooking. Even if you don't buy a scrapbook, it can be really fun to cut out pictures of your friends, paste them on to cardboard, paint stuff, add drawings and designs, and give your art pieces away. They can be really cute even if you don't consider yourself an artist, and trust me when I say your friends will appreciate the gesture and probably think it's hilarious.
4. Dance party
Take my unsolicited advice. Next Tuesday at 4:30pm, crank your music to the loudest it can go (or use headphones), close and lock your door (or invite your friends), and just go crazy dancing. It's ridiculous, it's fun, and it gets you out of your own head. Trust me, try it. You'll probably look like the cool people in this picture.
5. Journal
I haven't quite found a way for this one to work for me every day yet. I might try writing a journal in my phone, so I know I'll always be carrying it around. Sometimes I even write a journal text to my best friend who doesn't go to my school. That way, I can scroll back and read what was up with me on a certain day, while simultaneously updating my friend on my life.
6. Exercise
It's pretty difficult to motivate myself to exercise on my own, but for a lot of my friends, they really enjoy taking the time to go for a run on their own at night, or hit the gym after class and take that time for themselves.
7. Listen To or Play Music
Sometimes my favorite part of the day is just sitting in my room listening to some music and crafting. Either that, or breaking out my guitar and learning a new song.
8. Bake
Bottom line – if you have access to a kitchen, use it. Even if it's for a pre-made package of cake, or mac'n'cheese. It can be nice to break up dining hall food and remind yourself of your excellent chef skills.
I hope any of these sound like fun, but if not, the important message I want to get across is that it's okay to take time to enjoy yourself! Sure, I might feel like I'm being antisocial at times, but I'm so much happier when I remind myself that I'm worth my own time as much as anyone else is!
