With the pressure of getting into study mode to prepare for midterms, essays, and homework that keeps you up until 2am, it’s important to treat yourself once in awhile. Finding happiness in small things can make all the difference in college. As a freshman, it has been hard adjusting to the new environment. Within the two months that I’ve been on campus I’ve found five things to do when things get a little hectic:
1. A Happy Playlist
Making a playlist filled with songs that automatically switch your mood releases stress that clouds your mind. This is extremely helpful for when you are walking to class and need a quick relief. Making a playlist filled with my favorite songs have made getting ready for class easy, my walks around campus meaningful, and my mindset on daily struggles more positive. When you are having a bad day the easiest thing to do is pop in your ar buds and escape. Music connects to people in a way that no other can. Songs that express love and happiness have the power to change your own reality.
2. Spend Time with Friends
Surround yourself with friends who help take the stress off. Locking yourself up in your dorm all day to study can make you go crazy sometimes. It’s natural for humans to need human interaction with each other. Without interaction, this can damage your mental mentality. Talking to someone about your problems will lift a weight from your shoulders. In college, everyone is on the same boat. Find people who you can connect with on a personal level to help you when you are on the struggle bus. Treating yourself to hangout with friends will bring you support like none other.
3. Take Naps
Yes… the most basic but important in my opinion is to treat yourself to a nap. Staying up multiple nights in a row until 3am is not healthy. At all. Taking rests in between studying will help you stay awake for your midterm or that presentation you have been practicing for. They also heal you from any stress you built up from that day. Recharging throughout the day with naps helps you stay refreshed enough to retain information in your classes.
4. Face Masks
When you stress out you BREAK out. When you are in need of a break face masks are an easy way to relax. Since face masks are supposed to stay on for about ten minutes, my favorite thing to do is to watch a ten minute Youtube video and put on a face mask. Or even while you are sitting and studying, face masks are a small way to show appreciation for your skin and well-being. Leaving your skin smooth and your soul relaxed, face masks are the way to go if you need to spend some quality time with yourself.
5. Cheat Food
Even though freshman 15 is easy to achieve when surrounded by restaurants and freedom, it is important to treat yourself to your favorite comfort food every once in awhile. A good way to eat your guilt food is to study for a certain amount of time or acing your midterm. This positive reinforcement can help you pull through on harsh nights. Reminding yourself, “If I study for at least another hour, I can get a cookie,” encourages you to be a good student and treat yourself at the same time.
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