College life can be stressful at the best of times, but with Covid compounding things and preventing proper socialization the past year has been really tough. Whilst it’s important to do the best we can academically, it’s also equally important to take time out and relax. In this post I’ll give a few tips for relaxing, getting better sleep, and rejuvenating yourself.
Exercise
Exercise is good for both your physical and mental health, and it’s hard to argue with that. I’d recommend going for a jog or a run, or maybe even going to the gym if it’s open in your area. You’ll have to be careful to obey any social distancing rules though. Otherwise, there are plenty of places to run around the city. If you’re on campus, the 1 1/14 mile track from Diamond Street to Cecil is good. The main thing is to get out and do something – relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean sitting at home, and in fact, exercise has been shown to be one of the best things you can do for your mental health.
Watch a Movie
With that said, movies can be very relaxing. I know I’m not the only one out there who loves binging a good series on Netflix. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Marvel films, but there are plenty of other good movies out there. I’d recommend anything by Pixar for stress reduction too! I’d also recommend the original Star Wars trilogy but try to avoid the new ones.
Catch up with Friends
As I said in the previous post, it’s important to relax and have fun. Socializing and making friends are important. If you have to do this over Zoom, then it’s better than nothing. Otherwise, make sure you socialize with the people you live with – even it’s just for lunch or dinner. A little bit goes a long way.
Meditate
Meditating is a great way to relax. You can do this in a number of different ways. Personally, I like to do guided meditations I find on Youtube. I do this when I wake up in the morning. If you’re not into guided meditations, there are plenty of other things you can do. There’s a bunch of good apps out there. I’d recommend Headspace if you want something free.
Go to sleep early
Getting enough sleep is important, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Make sure you go to bed early and get a good eight hours in. However, don’t overdo it. If you have to get up at 6 or 7am, don’t try to go to sleep at midnight. Try to regulate your sleeping pattern, and get up early and go to bed early. That way you’ll be able to wake up refreshed.
Conclusion
As I said at the beginning of this post, stress is a big problem for us, and it’s important to take care of yourself. In this post I’ve given a few quick tips for relaxation. I’d love to hear what you do for relaxation!