I’ve found that stress is one of the easiest things to get but one of the hardest things to get rid of. Between school work, maintaining a social life, staying healthy, keeping a job, and keeping sane, stress is everywhere on a college campus. Being a chronic over-thinker, I often find myself stressing out and obsessing over every little detail. This is not only not a healthy way to live, it is also extremely counterproductive. The times when I am stressing the most just so happen to also be the times when I barely get anything done!
That said, over the past four years of being a college student here at Utica College, I have found a few perfectly reasonable tips on how to de-stress!
Tip #1: Mindless doodling.This is one of my favorite things to do when I have some spare time or when I need a break from all of the moving parts of my day! An added bonus to this activity: I never knew I was good a drawing until I tried – grab a pencil and try!!
Tip #2: Painting nails/self pampering.
Not only does painting my nails or putting a face mask on take me away from the chaos of homework, it also makes me feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
Tip #3: Throwing a one-person, private dance party.
Locking my door and tuning out all that is outside helps me practice my most embarrassing dance moves! (does this count as exercise? I think yes!)
Tip #4: Taking a break & hanging with friends.
If I ever need a laugh, I know who to do to. Sometimes the best way to relax is to laugh it up with the people you love!
Tip #5: Blindfolded silence.
Finally, I think that this technique is the most effective. I love to take five or ten minutes to totally unplug, cover my eyes with a sleeping mask, and pretend like nothing else exists in the world!
BONUS – Tip #6: keep it to a minimum.
All of these stress killers take no more than a half hour. It is easy to take a small break and get carried away with it. So the best thing to do with these tips is time them. Set a time limit for your break and stick to it, once the time is up – get back to work!