Ways to Manage Stress As A College Student
Trying to balance a combination of classes, homework, internships, clubs, hobbies, and parties is far from easy. Most college students would agree that calling it stressful feels like an understatement. While there’s no magical cure for pressure and anxiety, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite ways to ease the pain.
1. Listen to music. Blasting my favorite songs helps me unwind. It’s extra effective if you sing along. Spotify offers a discounted premium plan for college students. For $5.99 a month you get ad-free listening and access to Hulu.
2. Watch a funny movie. It’s true: laughter is the best medicine. Some of my favorite comedies are Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle, Talladega Nights, and Shaun of The Dead. All these movies and more are available on Hulu. If you’re already covered on the music front, Hulu with ads is just $1.99 a month for students.
3. Listen to a podcast. Too busy to sit down and watch a movie? Podcasts are great for entertainment on the go. Popular topics include sports, news, comedy, and true crime. There’s also lifestyle shows that can provide more tips to deal with stress.
4. Go for a walk. It’s easy to get overly wrapped up in our own lives. I find that getting outside and moving is a great way to clear your head. A change of scenery is sometimes all it takes to decompress. Put on a podcast or some music and enjoy the fresh air!
5. Journal. I consider this to be the most effective method. Writing down what’s bothering me helps release some of those negative feelings. Letting them out on paper will allow you to understand your thoughts and emotions more clearly. To prevent adding on to your stress, keep your writings all in one place. For example, I use a hardcover journal.
6. Make art. Draw, paint, or color. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to express yourself properly. Instead of writing about your feelings, you can visualize them. Or you could ignore them and just draw, like, a really cool dragon or something. Whatever works best for you. For those who are not blessed with artistic abilities, try adult coloring books.
7. Read a book. This might not be for everyone, but there’s something to be said about losing yourself in a good book. It’s an easy way to escape from mundane life to an exciting new world.
8. Play brain games. Sudoku, Wordle, and crosswords are great for fun on the go, and they’re good for your health. The New York Times has a variety of games on their website. You can play once a day for free or get unlimited access for just $1 a week for the first six months.
9. Drink tea. A hot cup of herbal tea soothes my nerves and helps me relax. I opt for caffeine free to prevent any possible increase in anxiety. Peppermint and chamomile are great choices.
10. Aromatherapy. Light a candle, use some scented lotion, take a bubble bath, diffuse some essential oil, or use some room spray. Scents like lavender, jasmine, and eucalyptus can provide a calming effect.
