There is no way to deny that college life can be incredibly stressful. While balancing academics, extracurriculars, jobs,
social lives, volunteering and countless other obligations, one very important person often falls to the wayside: ourselves.
There is no quick fix for our hectic lives, but there are several ways to slowly eliminate the stress and bring in the good. Here are the top 10 ways to be kind to yourself and boost happiness every single day.
1. PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
If you know how to, go at it! If you don’t, pick up a guitar and pretend that you do. There is something incredibly stress relieving about making music.
2. KEEP FLOWERS IN YOUR DORM OR APARTMENT
You would be amazed at the amount of life a small bouquet can bring to the room. They will remind you of the beautiful spring that is just around the corner and make your living space smell wonderful too.
3. KEEP YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE NEXT TO YOUR BED
Tape it to your ceiling, keep it on your side table or put it on the wall next to your bed and read it every morning when you wake up. It will ground you and put a little purpose into your day.
4. TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE UNSEASONABLY INCREDIBLE WEATHER
It is February, and it is reaching almost 50 degrees some days. Go outside! The fresh air will work wonders on relieving your stress, and you will begin to realize just how amazing this spring weather in the middle of a Chicago winter is.
5. KEEP YOUR DESK ORGANIZED
It is easy to allow things to pile up, but if you keep the area where you work and plan fairly neat, you will spend less time looking for what you need and more time being productive. Cleaning up as you go will leave you feeling much more accomplished and satisfied.
6. EXERCISE
You don’t have to run a marathon or bench an incredible amount of weight. Even 30 minutes on the elliptical will boost your endorphins and your focus and put a smile on your face.
7. HUG SOMEONE EVERY DAY
There is nothing better than hugging. Hug a friend, a relative or a roommate. Don’t offer excuses, just hug. You’ll not only improve your day exponentially, but also make theirs better as well.
8.EAT BREAKFAST
Seriously, eat breakfast. It will provide you with energy, make you less hungry throughout the day and boost your metabolism in a big way. It is one very easy way to be kind to yourself and your body.
9. EXPLORE THE CITY
When papers and tests surround us it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are also surrounded by one of the most amazing cities in the country. So relax for a bit! Hop on the el with friends and stake out a new favorite restaurant or park. Take advantage of the discounted tickets in the Student Center as well. Get out there and enjoy. How many of your friends can say they go to famous museums and theater productions as “study breaks”?
10. KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
The rules for keeping one are simple. At the end of the day, climb in bed with a cup of tea, grab a notebook and write down a list of everything that you are grateful for. Being able to see the good in your life on a page in front of you is an incredible experience. You will realize just how full each day is with countless things to be thankful for.