This year, self-care has not been prioritized. The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. College students are struggling now more than ever. Using Zoom to attend our online classes is now officially the new norm. Whether it is working from home, attending online classes, working on-site, or attending classes in-person, it has been stressful for everyone. This is affecting our mental and physical health.
It is very important for students to take their health into consideration. It is so easy for us to get lost in the stress and workload. Here are some ways to de-stress during this strange time.
Cooking
Fueling our bodies with tasty food can shift our overall physical and mental health. It is important to be conscious of what we are putting into our bodies. Being aware of what goes into our food, especially now is a major concern for some. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Start cooking to ease the soul as well as fueling our bodies.
Don’t like cooking? There are many easy and fun recipes on the web that can be done within minutes. Cooking allows us to bond with our inner health habits as well as those around us. If some of you prefer quick and easy recipes check out The Golden Balance on TikTok and Youtube. He makes cooking super easy and delicious.
At Home Workouts
Gyms are slowly starting to open up with precautions to keep their members safe. This allows us to go back to our previous exercise habits. If you are uncomfortable with going to a gym, it is easy to establish a workout space.
You can do this at home or even in your backyard. Physically exerting energy goes hand in hand with calming the mind. Working out can be dreadful, we have all been there. There are many easy workouts available on YouTube that are just as effective.
Listen to Podcasts
Want to take a quick break from music? Podcasts are a great escape from reality when we need it the most. They can be informative, humorous, and comforting. There are a variety of outlets that broadcast podcasts, such as Apple Music and Spotify. Some of us may encounter a podcast we cannot get enough of, or one we may not like at all. Overall, they are a very interesting and creative way to de-stress.
TikTok
This app is available in IOS and Android. Some may find it irrelevant while others can’t seem to get off of it. It is an accumulation of one minute videos where influencers and creators express themselves. The videos consist of how-tos, humor, dance routines, and much more. It is a fun little escape from reality. We can relate with those around us through these videos. Or even save them for our own personal use.
Catch up with loved ones
Spending time with friends and family has been rocky since the pandemic has surfaced. It is very important to not lose sight of loved ones, especially now. If physically seeing each other is unable to happen. A nice phone call or text message can boost your mood and provide room for expression. It is all about effort and the time you put into your relationships.
Painting
Painting can be very affordable and fun! Stop at a nearby craft store of your choosing to buy a couple of canvases and paint, then get to it! Painting allows us to get creative with whatever is on our minds. It is an outlet that provides emotional growth, creativity, and a stress-free environment.
These are all universal stress-free outlets and do not only apply to college students. Everyone should make time to de-stress. These past few months have had the ability to change everyone. Whether it is a changed perspective, cutting ties with people, picking up new hobbies, etc. It is important to never lose sight of who we are as well and not letting our health deteriorate. Stay safe everyone.