This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIU chapter.
As college students, we’re pretty prone to stress, whether it’s stress from school, home, recruitment, other school involvements, etc. we ALL stress (if you say you don’t then you’re lying). It really is a struggle, wanting an A+ school and social life, getting to see Bae as much as possible, trying to create your resume so you can graduate with an actual grown people job, sometimes we forget to do the things that are so easy to do to destress. Sometimes all we need is to step back a little and look at the bigger picture, while yes in theory we want the full college experience our health is the most important aspect in all of it because you can accomplish more when you’re healthy and alive rather than tired and grouchy all the time.
The most basic things can help you just relax; students don’t realize that FIU has SO much to offer! Use your resources people, after all we do pay for it in our tuition, might as well get your money’s worth, along with some other helpful tips on how to just relax.
1. Sleep, sleep and SLEEP!
I know that the “norm” is to turn up on a Thursday get back to the dorm at 3 am, do homework till about 5 am ad then get up for your 9 am Finite Math exam. No. This is just not healthy at all. If you have an exam the next day, the best idea is to just say “no thanks” to going out, study till about midnight, and then get at least a good 7-8 hours of sleep. Trust me, your body will thank you for it in the long run, and honestly who wants bag under their eyes. And no, your under eye bags aren’t “designer” so stop telling yourself that (unless they were purchased at Saks). Can’t sleep? Drink warm milk, count sheep, or if none of the above work, walk your happy self to the clinic, get a FREEEEE consultation from a doctor or RN and see what they can do to help you sleep better.
2. No Red Bull is not a food group
News flash, Red Bull is the unhealthiest thing you can put in your body (besides the obvious). Seriously its pure sugar, I happen to loathe it because it just tastes so GROSS!
You know what’s better? Tea, tea is nice. Also lay off the Starbucks twice a day, maybe try drinking it twice a week when you really need it (like for a test). It’s not as unhealthy as Red Bull but it isn’t that great either, depending on what you get. Water is the best option, not only does it hydrate, it keeps your skin clear, it fills you up so you don’t eat your way out of house and dorm, it helps you kidneys function properly (you know who you are) and water is just a better alternative. Your body loves water, your body is 60% water so don’t ignore your body and just give it the water it demands. What’s cooler than taking your triple mocha latte to class? Filling your favorite Lilly tumbler with water (5-7 times a day is what most doctors recommend).
3. Use the Wellness center (like not just for the birth control)
Did you know you can get a free massage at FIU? How about free counseling?
Well FIU really has it all, on top of some bomb massages, FIU has FREEEE counseling services for those days you just need to talk or cry it all out. On top of that, they have free incense that you can use to study and relax in a bunch of different scents (they even have seasonal ones!). On top of all that they have tons of free workshops for stress management and other cool stuff! So stop by, say hello, grab a few brochures that won’t end up in the trash, and actually use what you’re already paying for anyways.
4. Overload is a No-Go
Sure we all want to be involved on campus whether it’s Greek Life, SPC, SGA, Panther Camp, or anything else, there is such a thing as too much. Yes it is true that no respectable company will take a look at your resume unless they seem some sort of involvement through your college years, but that doesn’t always mean do everything. Take your time; you have 4 years to build that great resume! Do one thing at item, focus on school and getting good grades, then when you can manage that, sign up for all the things your little heart desires. Just remember you’re there for school, and no matter what school has to come first.
5. Treat YO-Self
Now, now before all the shopaholics start praising me for saying this, I’m not saying shop every time you’re stressed because that’s not realistic, I’m saying reward yourself some small treats whenever you’re proud of something you do. Did you have a really good week and passed all your midterms? Treat yourself to a mani/ pedi and some lunch at Chipotle, maybe window shop the mall and MAYBE by yourself a little something. Even sitting by yourself at Le Macaroon and just chilling with your favorite lemon cream macaroon and a cafecito is such an at ease feeling. Alone time is the best time and you get to really just listen to your voice for a bit and be inside your own head for a while. So go ahead, escape by yourself for an hour or two and just do you do what you want.
So next time you want to pull you hairs out just remember you’re not alone, most of us do go through some major stress but there’s so many things that can be done to make it better. So just take a deep breath, put you best foot forward, and remember you got this!
Xoxo, HerCampus