10 De-Stress Activities for College Students

College can be among the most memorable and exciting experiences of your life. That said, with all the excitement can come a great deal of stress. Cramming finals, numerous late-night study sessions, early classes – no wonder students feel stressed all the time. If this sounds like you, read on to discover 10 activities you can do to de-stress, unwind, and feel a bit more relaxed.

10 activities to help college students to relax and de-stress

It’s understandable that, while you’re a student, you might not have as much disposable income to spend on a little getaway to help you destress. You don’t need a big budget to de-stress – there are plenty of activities you can do right in your dorm. Here are 10 activities you can try to help alleviate stress.

1. Enjoy the flicker of electric candles

Candles are a great way to add decor and spruce up the room. But in dorms, they should be electric – some colleges don’t allow real candles due to the fire hazard. And electric candles truly are the next best thing. So place your electrical candle near (but maybe not right next to) your bath or use it as a light for some late-night reading. The dim lighting can ease your mind and provide stress relief on even the most overwhelming days. Some battery-operated LED alternatives even come in soothing scents like vanilla or lavender.

2. Explore the outdoors

Sometimes, reconnecting with nature is all you need to destress. Taking a simple walk can reduce stress, and so can the exercise it involves. The more often you move, the more your mood improves. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, ditch the library for a bit and go for a quick walk. You might be surprised how deeply relaxed you feel once you’re done.

3. Create an outer space experience

Want to change your boring study area into a fun hangout spot with your friends? Galaxy projectors like the Sky Lite Evolve can turn any room into an immersive outer space experience. You can customize and control the colors, effects, and lights all from your phone for the ultimate calm and comfort. It’s just as perfect for late-night dance parties or laid-back movie nights with friends – or, of course, studying, but we’re talking about relaxation here!

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4. Make your favorite foods

When you feel your to-do list growing, you might be moving so fast you forget to eat. While you might think that skipping meals saves time and allows you to do more, it actually can make you less focused and more irritable. So step away from your desk to indulge in your favorite meals and treats – you might feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. After all, there's nothing a little dessert can’t fix.

5. Exercise

Few things can chip away at stress better than a little sweat. Working out releases endorphins, which can change your stressful mood and help you feel a little calmer. Whether heading to the pool or playing a quick pickup game of basketball with your roommate, all forms of exercise relieve stress in their own way. And if you aren’t keen on working out, drag a friend with you to a group class to make it a little more enjoyable. Or create a calm yoga space under the shimmering stars of a galaxy projector and let your mind and body drift away.

6. Unwind with your favorite streaming service

Who doesn’t love to watch TV or movies and let their mind turn off for a bit? Take your mind off your vigorous classwork and watch an hour-long episode of your favorite show to make you laugh and feel like yourself again. Once you feel a bit more relaxed, you can go back to finishing up your coursework for the day. You might find it all much more bearable and less stressful.

7. Dance party

Hearing the phrase “dance party,” the first thing that comes to mind might be, “But I can’t dance!” But you don’t need to be the next Michael Jackson for dancing to be a great stress reliever. Dancing can help you shake off your stress – it is exercise, after all – and just have a little fun.

You can easily create a dance floor right in the comfort of your own room. All you need is a fun, engaging light such as the BlissRadia, which you can customize right from your phone. Set it to a bright gradient if you’re raving or a dim color if you’re slow-dancing. Next time finals come around, grab some friends, turn on your BlissRadia, take a quick dance break. You’ll notice how much better you feel afterward.

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8. Journal

Journaling is a great way to set the mood each day, put yourself in a better mindset, and foster a positive attitude. You can start your journal entries by mentioning three positive things that happened in your day or some reasons you’re feeling grateful. These mindful activities can help rewire your brain to begin thinking more positively, which can ultimately reduce stress levels. If you’re feeling a bit stressed, writing down how you’re feeling can help you relax.

9. Spend time with friends or family

The ultimate stress reliever is laughing, and who better to make that happen than your family and friends? A simple video chat with your siblings or a silly game night with your closest friends can be a great source of stress relief. There’s also some science to this: Sometimes, when you’re close to your friends and loved ones, your body releases oxytocin, a natural stress reliever.

10. Rearrange your room

Sometimes, changing your perspective can go hand in hand with changing your space. Rearranging your room can help: By changing how things look and feel in your space, you can transform your outlook and create a sanctuary you can truly feel at home in. At the end of it all, you’ll see your space in a whole new light that can help you feel more appreciative and less burdened. You can go even further after you’ve finished rearranging and add some flowers, a candle, or some new lighting to complete the transformation.

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