College is stressful. Each year comes with its own variety: freshmen living away from home for the first time, sophomores adding more and more extracurriculars, juniors taking harder classes, and seniors panicking about life after college. For a basic girl like me, here are some go-to ideas to manage stress through college madness. We deserve it!
1. Manicures and pedicures are an often overlooked staple in basic girl de-stressing. Elle Woods would have quit law school if it wasn't for her emergency excursion to the local nail salon. Yes, treatments can start getting expensive if you get addicted to perfectly lacquered nails (which is very easy to do), but what's the harm in going when you've had an awful week? It's nice to be pampered and have a killer set of nails that make you feel like you have your life together.
2. Two words: Wine Night. This one doesn't really need an explanation, but a double bottle shared with a friend is the best way to go.
3. Take a bath! Some people think it is sitting in your own filth, but that's their loss. Also, girls who live in a dorm, I feel for you. I've spent many winter nights standing in the shower for nearly an hour trying to warm my Florida bones and not cry about that midterm I probably failed. For those with bathtubs in apartment style housing, bath bombs are the way to go (duh). If you only have a shower, you can use essential oils for fragrance.
4. Cuddle puddles are fun! It's a term I learned the first week of my freshman year and it involves at least four or more of your gal pals in pajamas on a very small twin bed. It's silly, but very effective. This is also a perfect place for a vent session.
5. Its basic knowledge that most college students don't get enough z's. If you don't already have a time management plan, get one. Make sure your morning routine gets you out the door without a lot of running around. When you start stressing minutes after you open your eyes, it only sets the mood for the day. Plus, not getting enough sleep can make you gain weight. Enough said.
6. Catch up on missed episodes of trashy TV shows! You don't have to tell anyone about your Keeping Up with the Kardashiansmarathon, but watching Khloé being a sassy, and equally badass, woman will probably take your mind off of all your responsibilities for a while.
At the end of a stressful day, week, month or even semester, remind yourself it is temporary. Take a deep breath. You've got this.