As all college students would know, we have something big coming up – midterms. This can be a daunting and stressful time for many students, and I personally get extremely caught up in my workload that I completely forget to take small breaks in between to help with my mental health. You can get so caught up in work that you can forget the small things. I take mental health seriously and I think all students need to have breaks in between their studies. Here are my top 10 little things to do in between a stressful week of school.
- Make YOURSELF TEA OR COFFEE
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Not only does it give you caffeine, but it is the perfect cozy boost you need if it is possible to only take a super quick break and then go back to work. Personally, my roommate and I alternate each day to make tea for the both of us, so that the other person can keep working if they are crammed. It is also a good act of kindness we enjoy to do for one another for moral support.
- STAY ACTIVE
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Even if it is just a walk down the hallway outside your dorm room, a small loop around where you are studying or a trip to the gym, staying active and getting your blood flowing is the perfect way to step away from your studies and help relieve stress tremendously.
- listen to music
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This has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Listening to music or making a specific playlist with your favorite songs that make you feel upbeat and happy is a perfect de-stresser during or between your studies. A helpful tip I recommend if you struggle with listening to music while you study is to make two specific playlists. One is your really up beat and motivating music to play during your study breaks and another is a really slow music playlist (with words or no words) that you can play quietly in the background. That always relaxes me during stressful times.
- set breaks accordingly
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It is important to take breaks and to set them accordingly. Watching a 20 minute episode of a show you enjoy or reading a couple small chapters in your personal book not affiliated with school is a great way to do this!
- deep breathing
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Deep breathing is a great tool to do in between your breaks. I practice meditation in the morning and anchor breathing before I go to bed if I feel extremely overwhelmed and it helps greatly. If you are interested, I recommend doing yoga or stretching as well, especially out in nature with a yoga mat. This is something you can easily do anywhere, and it can take just five minutes of your time to do.
- 20 minute naps
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If you are a college student with a heavy workload, lack of sleep becomes your best friend, I would definitely know. But, sleep is extremely important, so you need to fit it in somewhere. It is scientifically proven by sleep neurologists and doctors that 20 minute naps are a great practice for students, because light sleep will boost alertness, vigilance and your mood. This is because you are entering a light sleep and your brain only shifts when you have a deeper sleep in the middle of the day, causing grogginess and actually worsens sleepiness. So, make sure you set an alarm and try it out!
- small snacks
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Eating a brain-healthy snack is a great way to support strong mental health! You can always take oranges, apples or bananas from the dining hall back with you to your dorm. Or, you can buy yogurt, nuts like cashews or walnuts and granola bars. They supply good vitamins and proteins that will help keep you alert and nourished.
- LITTLE PEP TALKS
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Having a little pep talk with a friend, significant other, a family member or to yourself is a great way to take a break and reflect on how you are feeling, vent your frustrations out, gain motivation or to take a break overall and divert your focus from studying.
- DO SOMETHING KIND
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Do something kind for someone! Write a note or draw a picture for someone else on a little sticky note. It will not only make them feel better, but gives you serotonin as well for doing a small act of kindness. My roommate and I always write words of affirmation to one another and stick it on each others school stuff or draw them fun little pictures for them to hang up on their desk. It not only gives you a fun little break to draw an adorable picture, but it also makes you and the person you are making it for feel really happy.
- GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
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Sometimes, these small things are not enough and you need that little extra boost. There are tons of resources and programs that you can use to put you on the right path!
–The Jed Foundation is mental health support for teens and young adults.
–CliftonStrengths for Students helps college-aged students, school faculty and staff grow confident in who they are and how they can contribute to the world.
–Active Minds helps with mental health support and resources for college students.
–Greater Good Magazine has science-based insights for a meaningful and better understanding for life.
My Spotify playlist I made to quietly play in the background while studying:
Keep in mind that you should always be proud of yourself when you are trying your best! Take some of these tips seriously to avoid getting overwhelmed. It’s the best thing you can do for your mental health during times like these as a college student.