People underestimate just how stressful college is. Between the essays, assignments, midterms, finals, and readings, the workload is sometimes unmanageable. On top of the schoolwork stress, college is full of financial and emotional stress that comes with trying to figure out our futures. Everyone says that our 20s are supposed to be the carefree and fun times of our lives, but most of us are just praying to find a moment to watch some Netflix amidst all the piles of work. As the end of the school year approaches, it’s even harder to stay motivated and stress-free. While I definitely admit that schoolwork and doing well in classes are really important, so is your health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Below are my tips on staying healthy during some of the most stressful college times.
1. Take a study break.
- When work piles up, make sure to take a few breaks. After an hour of working, give yourself at least ten minutes to respond to texts and get a snack.
- Even though it’s tempting to stay up late working on assignments, it’s important to call it quits once it starts getting late. Give yourself at least an hour before you want to go to sleep to wind down. Watch some Netflix, take a bath, drink a mug of tea, read a book you actually enjoy, or catch up on Facebook. Giving your brain some time to settle down and think about something other than your studies will help reduce your stress levels and let you sleep better.
2. Eat healthy foods that will fuel your body with good energy.
- Buy easy, healthy snacks to eat while you’re studying. Having apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, crackers, cheese, pretzels, granola bars, and yogurt on hand will make you more inclined to grab a healthy snack instead of indulging on a bag of chips.
- Give yourself some time to make yummy simple dinners for yourself. Eating out for multiple nights will make you feel groggy and diminish your bank account. Check out other Her Campus articles to find some simple yet delicious recipes to inspire you!
3. Study in groups or someplace new.
- Find some friends in your classes to study with so that you can make homework and exams slightly more fun to study for. Even if you don’t have friends in your classes, go on study dates with your friends or roommates. It’s easier to stay motivated when you’re all working together and can take breaks with each other.
- If you always study at your desk or on the couch, it can be nice to switch things up and study at a new place. Try a new coffee shop, the Starbucks inside Barnes and Noble, a library, the park, or even the beach. New surroundings will make you feel like you’re trying something new and fun, even if all you’re really doing is studying.
4. Boost your immune system.
- The last thing you want during these stressful times is to come down with a cold or the flu. Some foods that have been proven to boost your immune system are: garlic, yogurt, spinach, broccoli, grapefruit, orange, and watermelon.
- Get some sleep! College students are perpetually tired but it is vital to your health to get at least eight hours. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try listening to some guided meditation on YouTube.
- Drink lots of water. For added benefits, add a few slices of lemon to your water.
- Get some exercise. If you’re pressed for time do some work out videos in your living room or take a quick walk around campus.
5. Relax and get some perspective.
- Realize that, as important as school is, it isn’t going to be your entire life – it’s just a stepping-stone on your way to something great. In a few years, you won’t remember what grade you got on a random essay in one of your classes and you honestly won’t even think about getting a B instead of an A in a class. Your mental and emotional health is incredibly important – don’t sacrifice it with stress. Take a step back and breathe. What’s meant to be will find a way, so enjoy your college years before they’re gone!