Everyone feels down from time to time. The stress of college can make it worse. But doing small things can make the difference between thriving and implosion.
1. Sleep.
Even if you have homework, you will be more efficient if you get to sleep and it can work as a restart. Naps are best done in increments of 20, 40, or 90 minutes.
2. Re-watch 1 or 2 of your favorite funny YouTube videos.
Vine compilations are great for this.
3. Take a shower.
4. Watch the first episode of a new TV series.
5. Wash your laundry.
And put it away immediately, look how much you have accomplished.
6. Have a fruit or protein smoothie.
7. Drink water.
We are like 60% water, you will have more energy to do stuff.
8. Do a small, kind thing for someone.
Hold the door or elevator, pick up some trash and throw it away, or compliment a complete stranger (not catcalling).
9. Eat a vegetable or a fruit.
10. Go outside and get some fresh air.
Even for 5 minutes.
11. Eat a small treat.
Not too big because the excess sugar will make it worse.
12. Exercise.
Even if it’s doing jumping jacks for 1 minute.
13. Go find someone and talk to them for a few minutes.
14. Open your blinds.
Sunlight will raise your mood.
15. Ask a friend/roommate/hallmate to grab food with you.
16. Do a small, easy thing that you are procrastinating on.
It will give you a sense of accomplishment and then you can do another, and another. Look at you go!
17. Make your bed.
18. Get out of your room/apartment.
Go to the library or a coffee shop.
19. Make a hot cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate and put it in a mug.
The heat mimics human contact and provides comfort.
20. Journal if that’s something you do.
Write whatever comes to mind, don’t worry about whether it makes sense or not, no one else will see it.
21. Sit and listen to a song.
Sing along if you want, but don’t do anything else until the song is over.
22. Scream into the void.
Be careful where you do this. Don’t get the police called on you.
23. Yoga.
YouTube has a lot of great videos that teach you exactly what to do.
