8 WAYS TO DE-STRESS & UNWIND DURING THE SEMESTER

Struggling through university as assignments build up and due dates near, it is important to take breaks in order to ensure you don’t overheat. Here are some ways in which you can relax a bit, whether it be after uni or over a weekend, that will hopefully help you better cope with the stresses of uni.

1. A Trip to the Animal Shelter

Spending a few hours – or even minutes – at your local animal shelter can be extremely cathartic, especially after a stressful day of uni work. This activity allows you to take your mind off anything that has been putting you down, and is not only fun for you, but also for the animals, whom will definitely appreciate the attention. Personally, I have gone to my local shelter many times throughout the last few years, and with the influx of different animals in between each visit, each experience is a unique one. And you never know…you may even decide to adopt a pet…

2. Movie Night

A more relaxed option, a movie night can be a great way to unwind by yourself, or even with friends. Spending a night in with some great flicks and a bunch of junk food, can definitely help in relieving yourself of any stress caused by uni. If you are in the mood for a good horror or thriller, check out our article about the top 10 movies in that genre here.

3. Exercise

This is more of a long-term solution but taking half an hour out of your day to exercise can be really beneficial as it’s not only good for your body, but also your mind. it is recommended that you exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, and if you’re someone like me that stresses about not having enough time to do assignments, 30 minutes is not that long at all. Stretching before doing uni work can also feel amazing and motivate you to complete any tasks that need to be done.

4. Road Trips / Day Trips

Taking a day to visit pretty lookouts can be extremely relaxing, and allows you to take your mind off things, even if just for a day. You can do this with friends, or even alone, and I can guarantee that with your radio cranked up and your windows open, your worries are sure to be forgotten. If you want to unwind in this way and you don’t know what places to hit, check out our suggestions here.

5. Take a Class

There are many companies, locally owned or otherwise, that provide classes for those wanting to learn how to cook, paint, sculpt, etc. This can be a great way to relax, whilst also learning a new skill. As it is a learning experience, it doesn’t matter if you are good or bad at what is being taught, so you can just focus on having fun and clearing your mind of any worries!

6. Go Shopping

Of course, there’s nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix…

Shopping is a good reason to get out of the house, even if you’re just window shopping. Taking a few hours just for yourself can be cathartic, and it’s definitely a bonus when you get to come home with some cute new pieces.

7. Read

Reading is a great way to get your mind off anything in your life that is causing you stress. Whether it be non-fiction or magical realism, books can both inform and entertain you, and luckily for you, we have an article on the best books to read on a rainy night, with a variety that will be sure to appeal to everyone.

8. Go to a Cute Café/Restaurant

Maybe all you need is a change of scenery; understandably, being cooped up in your room or in a library can become boring and make you crazy. Taking your work with you to a nice café or restaurant can make you feel refreshed, while also relinquishing any cravings you had for food!

OUR TIPS TO STAYING ORGANISED

If you’re a university student like myself, then I don’t need to tell you how quickly things can get messy (especially if you’re not organised). Staying on top of a full course load, working part time and finding a spare minute for your social life is often a juggling act. However, adopting some of these organisational strategies I use will hopeless help to minimise your stress and increase the time you spend doing the things you love!

1. KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON

Before the semester begins I like to buy a new diary / calendar, whether it’s a large desk calendar or a cute notebook diary, this visual aid will definitely help you stay on track and give you a clear idea of how much time or days you have to complete a task. There is a huge difference between reading a due date online and thinking “I still have a couple days to do my assignment”, and being able to visually count out the days on a calendar and determine “I have 5 days until this task is due”.

Setting a reminder in your phone two weeks before a task is due can also be a helpful little tip! Reading up on your course structure or subject outline is the perfect way to go into week 1 feeling somewhat prepared and helps minimise stress.

2. KEEP A CLEAN, ORGANISED STUDY SPACE

Try to keep your study area looking nice and organised… if it’s a complete mess then you’re less likely going to sit down and get your assignments done. Top tip: eliminate anything around you which may cause you to become distracted, or even mix up your study location every now and then. When taking a study break move away from your study space by even just moving to the living room or going outside for some fresh air!

3. NOT A MORNING PERSON? PREP THE NIGHT BEFORE

If you have an early morning class, pack your bag the night before i.e. books, laptop, snacks etc. Go and check your calendar and online uni site, double checking you’ve completed everything, done the assigned readings and are prepared for class. Take a couple of minutes to check the weather so you have an idea of what you may want to wear the next day. All of these are such small tasks but in the long run they’ll save you time in the morning, saving you from running around stressing out!

4. WRITE TO-DO LISTS

This is my go to strategy when uni starts to get more intense. The best thing about a ‘to-do’ list is the sense of accomplishment you feel as you cross things off. Even a day spent in bed on your laptop can make you feel like you’ve had a productive day if you manage to cross off everything you needed to do that day. If you feel like you have a whole load of work piling up, beak it up into sections of smaller tasks or by subject and split them up across a few days’ lists (this is where your calendar/diary will be handy!). By doing this you will feel comforted to know that if you manage even the smallest of what you need to do each day, you’re on the right track to having it completed on time.

If you don’t manage to finish everything on your list for the day, transfer those tasks over to the next day (try to avoid this if possible, otherwise you’ll end up with a list that gets longer and longer).

5. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

If you’ve only managed a few hours of sleep then you’re never going to feel like you’re on top of things. It is recommended that you get roughly 8 hours of sleep a night (I know this is difficult when you have so much going on) but you’d be surprised by how much more in control you’ll feel when you’re well reseted and focused. If you are exhausted, then the possibility of you missing classes or appointments is much higher, and you’ll lack the motivation to tackle any of your to- do lists!

If you’re someone who struggles to get a good night sleep there are plenty of app which can help such as calm or smiling mind!

6. DON’T PANIC

Last but definitely not least, remember that getting overwhelmed and panicked won’t solve anything. Don’t panic! Take a few deep breaths and start by tackling one thing at a time. Go back to the top of your list and work your way down it, you’ll be on top of everything before you know it!