20 Healthy Ways To Relieve Stress

As an ambitious freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, I have really been feeling the stress of college life. Whether you’re a fellow Pitt student, or just your average broke and hungry college student, these 20 healthy ways to relieve stress are sure to help you rejuvenate for the upcoming semester.

1. Walk it off

When you’re all crammed up in your room working on a 5-9-page essay (that’s definitely going to end up being 5 pages) your head can feel like it’s going to explode. Put down the pen and paper, or close your laptop, and take a walk/jog outside. Sometimes all it takes is a scenery change to clear your mind.

2. Take a shower/bath

Turn on the water, wash your hair, exfoliate, shave your legs, go the whole nine yards. If you’re feeling extra stressed that day, pull out your favorite face masks.

3. Channel your inner yogi

Okay, so you don’t have to go full yogi mode and try some crazy move that just lands you a trip to the hospital. Instead, take 5 minutes right when you wake up or 5 minutes before you go to bed to partake in some quality stretching.

4. Positive vibes only

Surround yourself with positive people. Negative people will only bring negative energy and unnecessary stress. Make sure you’re in an environment that promotes positivity and growth so you can flourish.

5. Have a jam session

Put on your favorite song, and crank it up all the way. Don’t just listen, sing along!

6. Burn your favorite candle

If you live in dorms with super sensitive smoke detectors like me, you probably can’t burn a traditional candle. However, wax burners work just as well, and won’t broke the bank.

7. Pet a furry friend

Visit your local animal shelter. Is there anyone that doesn’t feel less stressed after petting a dog or cat?

8. Slow down

We’ve all had those days where we have so much to do we don’t know where to start. Instead of stressing yourself out even more, try simply stepping back, and taking a deep breath.

9. Don’t skip breakfast

I hate to break it to you but coffee isn’t breakfast. Start your morning (or afternoon) out on the right foot and have at least a bowl of cereal before you begin your day.

10. Stop procrastinating

Seriously, like stop procrastinating. A way that helps me, the queen of procrastinating, to avoid this is by using a giant calendar I see every time I walk into my room that lists all the things I need to get done. It’s been proven that you are more likely to complete a task if you have it written done where you can see it.

11. Broaden your horizons

Try something new! Try a new food, attempt painting, start going to the gym, find a new hangout spot in town etc. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and discover a new hobby that helps you relieve stress.

12. Read a book

Yes, there are some people in the world that enjoy reading books. It doesn’t have to be a traditional book, instead, pick a poetry book, such as Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.

13. Watch your favorite TV show

Sit back, relax, and watch an episode of your favorite TV show. If you’re like me, you can binge watch the entire season!

14. Celebrate small accomplishments

No matter how hard you try, things aren’t always going to go your way. Instead of stressing over your failures, be proud of yourself for the little things you accomplish each day. It’s good to give yourself a pat on the back for not sleeping through your 9am.

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15. Go to sleep on time

Adequate sleep is so important! On most occasions, you’re going to benefit more from calling it quits on studying than if you were to pull an all-nighter. Get your 7-9 hours of sleep every chance you can get.

16. Unplug and unwind

At times, your phone can be your worst enemy. Therefore, it may help your mental state to occasionally take a break from social media.

17. Declutter your life

Take time to clean your room. Organize your desk, do your laundry, vacuum the floor, etc. Working in an environment that is clean will help you to feel less stressed, and help you stay focused.

18. Lend a helping hand

Helping someone else can not only make your day better, but also there’s. You can do this in so many ways. For example, volunteering at a soup kitchen, paying for someone else’s meal at the drive thru, and so much more. Your college probably has numerous volunteer clubs, such as Habitat for Humanity or Circle K, that you can join. The options are endless!

19. Stay hydrated

The benefits of water are endless. In fact, staying hydrated has been proven to significantly improve peoples’ moods and help them feel less stressed. The recommended amount of water you should drink each day is half your weight in ounces. For example, if you’re 100 pounds you should drink 50 ounces per day.

20. Have a you day

Have a you day and pamper yourself. Buy yourself flowers, get your nails done, go out to lunch, etc. You deserve it!