College can be overwhelming; it seems like you have a never-ending supply of homework, projects, and exams, and it’s difficult to manage all of that with a job AND a social life. However, while you need to make sure you get everything done, you also need to make sure that you don’t get too overwhelmed or stressed. This is why we’ve put together some suggestions to help you keep your cool.
Take a walk or go for a run. Taking a short (or long, depending) walk or run will help raise your pulse, but will help lower stress. Exercising is a great way to release some of the built-up energy that you get from being stressed.
Clean your room. Like taking a walk or going for a run, physical activity can be a great way to relieve some of the built-up energy you get from being stressed. By cleaning, you can also prevent yourself from losing any important papers in a mess.
Hang out with a friend. Hanging out with a friend can be one of the biggest stress relievers for college students, as their friends are often going through the college at the same time. Whether you talk with your friend about what is stressing you out or not, being social and having a good time can help you forget a lot of your stress.
Indulge your hobbies. College students sometimes get lost in all the work they have to do. Whether it’s painting, photography, or playing an instrument, by taking time to do something you like to do, you will feel less overwhelmed by schoolwork.
Cook or bake. By concentrating on your favorite recipe, you can relieve a lot of stress. It’s also doesn’t hurt that you get to eat some really good food!
Take a drive. Especially if you’re a first-year student, taking a drive cannot only be a great way to relieve stress, but it can also give you a chance to get to know where you live. You never know: You may find your new favorite hangout along the way.
Watch your favorite movie or an episode of your favorite TV show. By taking a little while to just relax and watch your favorite movie or an episode of your favorite TV show, you can get your mind off your stress. It will also give you a chance to clear your mind before getting back to work.
Breathe. The best thing to do is breathe; you can get through all the stress. Just remember to breathe and to take some time for yourself, and you can make it through even the toughest semester.
References:
“50 Ways to Destress in College: Learn How to Relax Amidst the Chaos” by Kelci Lynn Lucier
“20 Affordable Ways to De-stress” by Nina Kim and Georgia Price
Off Campus Housing Blog 