Being a college student pretty much means being busy all the time. Even when a college student is sleeping, they are having nightmares about everything they have to do when they wake up. My days of the past week have started around 8 a.m. and haven't ended until roughly 10 p.m., when I have to force myself to lay down and stop doing work - I'm very grumpy if I don't get lots of sleep. So, I thought a few tips on how to relax would benefit not only myself but other crazy busy people!
1. When relaxing, all work should be put away
I'm not just talking on the desk or in a different room. I mean in your desk, in your backpack or in your briefcase. Away, away. Out of sight, out of mind. If I can see the pile of work I am avoiding, I am less likely to enjoy the time I have to unwind from a busy day.
2. Find an activity you enjoy
Sitting, zoning out on the tv can count as relaxing if that's what you honestly enjoy doing. I suggest doing something like reading a book, painting, or something along those lines. Do something that makes you happy, and the productiveness of it isn't bad either!
3. Take a bath/shower!
As crazy as it sounds, sitting under the stream of hot water or sitting in a bunch of bubbles is oddly relaxing. I feel like I'm washing all the stress down the drain! Also, doing work in the shower/bath is next to impossible, therefore, making it automatically easier to relax.
4. A list of gratitudes!
This is my favorite one of all. Writing down everything that I'm thankful for helps to put life in perspective. Even scribbling down good things that happened to me today balances life out for me. Yeah, I might be drowning in assignments but at least some parts of my life are good!
5. Go outside
We don't go out and enjoy nature enough anymore. Being in the fresh air, outside of the cramped space of a dorm room or office can definitely be a rejuvenating feeling!
6. Clean
As much as it sounds like work, relaxing is much easier in a house/dorm room that is clean. After all, if it looks like you need to clean, that'll probably stress you out just as much as assignments.
7. Physical activity
Dance around the room to loud music, run, play a sport, do some yoga. Stretch out your muscles and give your brain a break.
8. Give yourself some alone time
Being around people all day every day is enough to make anyone stressed. Add all the necessary work and activities, everyone would be ready to break. So take some time for yourself, by yourself.
9. Music breaks
It can be hard to devote much of your evening to just listening to music. Take a five-minute break to listen to a few relaxation songs to aid in the unwinding.
10. Laugh!
Everyone knows they feel better after a good laugh. Watch a funny movie, selection of youtube or Facebook videos!