Let’s face it: university can be really stressful. We worry about our professional futures, relationships, academics and more the moment we rise from bed. These stressors can never be eradicated completely, but they can be made more bearable, even if just for a little while. You may already know of some support UVic offers for the stressed UVic student, but here are 5 stress-relieving activities that I’ve found personally useful. Here’s to a calmer, more peaceful college experience.
1. Participate in aimless walking
Ahh, the art of wandering. Walking sounds simple enough: we walk to classes, between classes. Yet, how often do we walk with no direction in mind? Wandering in natural spaces increases our appreciation for the present moment and momentarily removes the clutter from our minds. Have an hour between two classes and decent shoes on? Let your feet take you on a walk around our beautiful campus. Who knows? You may end up checking out a building you’ve always heard of but never visited, or chance upon a small, beautiful stream that no one has found yet.
2. Sleep
Need I say more? Being physically in class is one thing, but really being there and absorbing material efficiently requires some well-deserved beauty sleep. Learning efficiently in class = less stress trying to understand material in future. So, try your best to aim for at least six hours a day, if not eight (as this is best for most people), and you’ll be prepped for less study stress.
3. Flip through a non-academic book
Notice that I use “flip” and not “read” (because let’s be real). Leaf through that book on Romantic poetry which caught your eye at the McPherson Library. Pop into the UVic Bookstore or SubText and browse in the book sale/discounted books section. Even by just flipping a page or two, finding joy and engaging your curiosity in learning about things other than what you need to know for school can be beneficial to your mental health. You remind yourself of what it is like to learn spontaneously, to learn because you are curious, and not because you have to.
4. Go shopping or window shopping
Retail therapy is a thing. Take a short walk to Peppers Grocery or Fairway Market to check out good deals on your favourite goodies, whilst allowing yourself a break from the college world. Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, smelling the scones at the bakery and eyeing the kimchi pasta at the deli can be a rare treat for your senses and a well-deserved break for the constantly working mind.
5. Catch a Movie for $5.75
What better way to destress than a good ol’ movie? Munch on buttery popcorn and sink into the cushioned chairs of UVic’s Cinecenta. A little bit of escapism can’t hurt once in a while, especially with the fine selections of films screened there. You are in for a cultural ride, whilst relaxing. More importantly, at only $5.75 a movie for UVSS students, you are letting yourself absorb a great story without worrying about spending too much. Sometimes, I even purposefully pick a movie I have never heard of or have never intended to watch. Make a little adventure out of it!
There are definitely many more ways to relieve stress on campus; these are just my favourite few. What is important is recognising that you matter eventually in your college life. So, take time to figure out what works best for you.