It is easy to get wrapped up in the world of grades, GPAs, classes, and social dynamics while in school. Sometimes it is easy to forget that there is a world outside of college or that you are a person outside of being a student. This is a natural feeling; but that does not mean that it should be a feeling that you get used to. Being a person outside of your student persona is extremely important to your mental health and development as a human being. Finding time to dedicate to yourself outside of school work is hard but do-able. But what do you even do with yourself besides homework, you ask?
1. Binge watch that show you have been dying to try but exams and papers have caused you to push to the side.
2. Take a damn nap- we both know you deserve it.
3. Explore coffee shops that you have never been to (and don't bring your laptop), actually read a book.
4. While we are talking about it, read multiple books. Find that list of them that you constantly put off.
5. Make a Spotify playlist for each mood you experience.
6. Call your parents because, whether they tell you or not, they really do miss you and you really do miss them.
7. Go to the grocery store and cook yourself some dinner (or have your friend do it who is 10x better at cooking, it's the thought that counts).
8. Color, paint, draw, sculpt; it really doesn't matter as long as you enjoy it.
9. Take an exercise class at the gym that you've never tried.
10. Go for a walk around campus-or literally anywhere- WITHOUT your phone.
11. Take another nap.
12. Start a journal. Or if you are like me, update said journal that you haven't touched in over 6 months.
13. Organize your room.
14. Reach out to friends from home.
15. Take yourself on a dinner and movie date.
16. Treat yourself to your favorite food and drinks.
17. Have a spa day with your friends (because let's be real, we cannot afford a real spa right now).
18. Go out dancing on a school night.
19. Better yet, go out dancing on multiple school nights.
20. Go online shopping and spend way too much money, but not regret a single purchase.
21. Have a Harry Potter movie marathon.
22. Lay in the sun on the Oval (or whatever grassy area your school has).
23. Pet a dog.... or five.
24. Go for a hike.
25. Be present.
Whatever your choice may be, let yourself be present. Let yourself be involved. Give yourself some peace and time to catch up with everything around you. We only get this life once and you don't have to be happy all the time, but you do owe it to yourself to live each day to the fullest.
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
