There’s no doubt about it: college is more stressful than high school. There are more responsibilities, and classes are a bit more complicated. It is easy to feel overwhelmed from time to time, however stressing yourself out is usually not productive behavior. It is important to de-stress now and then so you can perform at your best. Here are a few good ways to relax and optimize your college experience.

Get out of your room and stay active

One of the best ways to relieve extra energy and adrenaline that comes from stress is to get out and keep moving. Exercise is a great way to de-stress, and it even helps you fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Luckily, students have free access to the ARC and CRCE, which are the gyms on campus.

Even if hardcore exercise isn’t your thing, they have a walking track and ping-pong tables to help students expend built-up energy. If it is nice outside, go for a walk. The Arboretum is a beautiful nature preserve on campus that most students don’t utilize enough. Even just being in nature can have a calming effect.

Make sure to get enough sleep

Sleep is essential, especially for young adults around the college age. Not only can it help us focus and stay sharp with important tasks like schoolwork, but it can also help our bodies feel better.

Sleep leads to a healthy and happy mind. Without it, paranoia and even more stress can consume our thoughts, and students tend to make more silly mistakes when they are sleep-deprived. Make sure that you don’t make any of these mistakes that will further add to your stress, and keep your body and mind healthy and get those eight hours in.

Five minutes of meditation a day

Even just reflecting on your day or focusing on your breathing for five minutes a day can make you feel happier and less stressed. It is important to leave those scary thoughts at the door for a couple minutes a day and focus on positive things in your life. If you have trouble turning your mind off like a lot of busy college students do, just focus on the sound of your breath. This can put things into perspective and remind you of what is really important in life.

Create something

Creating is not just for the artistically inclined. By putting effort into something that isn’t for a grade and is healthy for the mind, it can also help you build a lifelong hobby. Buy an adult coloring book and fill in the lines. Write a journal entry every day. Doodle away. Take up sewing or knitting.  Even just small tasks like this can make a huge difference in your day.

Surround yourself with those who support you

Positive energy is important. Don’t spend copious amounts of time with people who stress you out even more with their negative words. Life is too short to be constantly berated by other people. Make friends that have your best interests at heart, and spend as much time with them as possible. They will calm you down when you feel stressed and will help you reach your goals in the long run. The power of positivity is amazing.

Courtney is a senior in Media.
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