College is stressful. With weekly math homework and Spanish presentations and English papers and Chemistry tests, it's easy to get swamped and overwhelmed. So here are some of my tips to help you deal with your stress in college.
1. Music.
One of my favorite ways to de-stress is music, whether it's taking 10 minutes to listen to my favorite songs, or reserving a practice room and playing piano for an hour. Listening and playing music is a great way to clear your head of all the school work.
2. Take the time to call your loved ones.
Taking out time during your day to call your mom, your sister, or best friend is a good way to de-stress. Not only are you filling them in on what's up, you're also able to talk through what you're stressed about. Talking about what's troubling you is always a good way to ameliorate the situation.
3. Go out with your friends.
This one seems like a no-brainer, but seriously, go out. If you've been working all day or even all week, you deserve it. Go out with your friends. Academics is always a priority in college, but it isn't the only aspect of college. Go to a party or stay in and have a movie night. Whatever it is, have some fun, you deserve it.
4. Clean your dorm/other chores.
Now, this one may not be the first thing you turn to when you want to de-stress, but it's probably one of the most productive things to do. I find putting on my favorite Spotify playlist and cleaning my dorm is one of my favorite ways to de-stress. Doing laundry is also another way to de-stress. While waiting for the cycles to finish, I manage to squeeze in a few episodes of "Friends."
5. Academic support.
And if you still feel overwhelmed, check out the academic support services that your college offers. During my first couple of weeks, I've already utilized a number of different academic support services such as the Writing Center, Study Consulting, and PILOT Learning. (Hopkins kids check out this link to learn more about them.) Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There's nothing to be embarrassed about, you'll end up thanking yourself for taking part in these programs.
