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Health and Wellness

How To Unwind This Semester

Stress on stress on stress.

How To Unwind This Semester
Survivingcollege.com

College can get pretty darn stressful. If you don't stop and unwind every once in awhile, you could lose it. As a student in college, this is one of the most stressful times in your life. With that in mind, you need to remember to take time for yourself in order to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape.

Have you ever felt like this?

Or this?

Maybe you have felt like this...

Or this?

If you have, then you have definitely been a victim of the ongoing college epidemic... stress. The only way for students to relieve this pressure is learning how to...

(Okay, I promise that was the last GIF.) Here are some ways for you to unwind this semester:

1. Grab a dog and go for a w-a-l-k.

You would be surprised what good can come from walking a dog. Dogs are natural born companions that love spending time with people (like yourself). Even if you do not have a dog of your own, or you can't borrow a friend's dog, just go for a walk. Breathing in fresh air, light exercise, and time to yourself is super important for your mental and physical health.

2. COLOR.

Adult coloring is a new fad that everyone should be picking up. All you need is a coloring book (or even a piece of paper, really) and some colored pencils, and you are set. Although it sounds kind of funny, coloring really does put your working mind at ease. It is a mindless activity that also gives you a beautiful masterpiece when you are finished!

3. Take a drive.

I know that you may not want to "waste gas" per say, but taking a casual drive with no destination is very soothing. Taking backroads is probably your best bet for this stress reliever, only because driving on busy roads could heighten your stress levels. Driving gives you time to think about anything and everything; you can listen to music, or drive in silence.

4. Head to the gym.

Going to the gym is always a good idea (despite the fact that I rarely go). As Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands." While I am sure many of us are not married with husbands or wives, the statement still stands to be true. Having a free gym available is something we all need to take advantage of while being a student.

5. Clean up your room (Danny Tanner approved).

I know that some of you might have cringed when reading that, but it is very beneficial to have a clean room when you have a hectic lifestyle. Most of the time, having a dirty room can cause you more stress. Your room is supposed to be a sanctuary where you can relax, so if you can't see the floor and you found a cup of week-old milk sitting on your nightstand, it's time to sanitize.

6. Read something.

This could be anything. I know a lot of us college students are tired of reading books because we have to read for so many for our classes, but there are other outlets. Reading this article is a good example, just like reading a magazine or an online journal; Reading can take your mind to other places and make you stop thinking of all the tasks you have to complete.

7. Write in a journal.

I know this sounds so "middle school," but it really does help to get your thoughts out on paper. College students are not just stressed over school work. We have a lot to juggle at this point in our lives like relationships, family issues, balancing finances, etc. Being able to write those stressors down might save you from a panic attack.

8. Cook yourself and your roommates a meal.

Making meals is really fun and it can get your mind off of life's struggling times. Cooking is pretty much a form of therapy because it lets you be creative and gets your mind and body involved. Plus, your mind and body will be very happy when there is an amazing dish in front of you too.

9. Take a nap.

Let's face it, being a student is tiring. Sometimes the best thing to do is just take a nap and refresh. When we are tired, our brains are not as active and it takes us a longer amount of time to get things accomplished. If you're ever considering a nap, just do it. Your body will thank you later.


Which ever way best helps you to unwind, just remember that you do need to spend time on yourself, especially in your college years. As millennials, we are constantly on the move, making it feel nearly impossible to take a break for ourselves. This semester, try to put your physical and mental health as a priority to avoid the stress that comes with college.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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