With school starting up, that means everyone's schedules are about to be at full capacity. With classes, clubs, jobs, meetings, and finding time to see friends and family, taking time for ourselves often gets overlooked. Taking time to yourself to unwind and relax is so important in college. It's too easy to feel overwhelmed and when we feel like that, we don't perform as well. Even though we may be cooped up in the dorms, there's still lots of ways to relax and take your mind off of everything going on around you. In the words of Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford:
1. Take time to yourself
Whether it be taking a nap, a bath, or a trip to the mall, giving yourself alone time is one of the best ways to unwind. When you're by yourself, you are able to give yourself the undivided attention that we all need. Taking a nap can help you feel refreshed to finish the workload you have, or give you the energy for your game later. A bath is the best way to pamper yourself (if you haven't been to LUSH, you're welcome). Add some music, a face mask, and prop up your laptop for some Netflix and you're set.
And there's never a wrong time for some retail therapy.
2. Re-read your favorite book
Although our phones can be pretty interesting, there's nothing like getting lost in a really good book. Everyone, even if they aren't a reader, should have a favorite book. Getting lost in a book can help you easily forget why you were stressed and remind you why you loved the book in the first place!
3. Clean up/organize your space
This might sound like the last thing you would want to do, but decluttering space and reorganizing can be super relaxing and give you a calmer space to work. We tend to get stressed out when there's clutter all over our desks or we're searching to find our books right before class. Taking the time to make your space comfortable will help you to be more productive in the long run.
3. Cook/buy yourself a special meal
Because who doesn't love food? This can be your favorite food, restaurant, or a place you've always wanted to try.
4. Binge watch your favorite show
If it's your favorite show, it clearly cheers you up, so taking a night off to curl up and binge watch can be the cure to any kind of stress. Grab your favorite snack, a cozy blanket, and you're set for prime relaxation.
5. Go to the gym
Even if running or hitting the machines doesn't sound like a lot of fun, you will always feel better afterward! It's just as important to take care of our bodies physically as it is mentally, so find a workout you like and go for it! Don't force yourself to do a type of exercise you don't enjoy, because then it will seem like a chore instead of some important "you" time.
No matter how you choose to "treat yo self," it's always important to find the time to do so. We all deserve to be pampered and cared for, especially by ourselves.
