My Top Feel-Good Activities
Written by Jenna McConnell
Banner & Thumbnail Photo by Sebastian Staines on Unsplash
When life gets super stressful (like, say, at the beginning of a new school year), it can be hard to find the time to cope with all of life’s obligations and commitments. There’s just so much to do; who has time for hobbies in between work, classes, readings and more? This is precisely why I find it useful to have a list of small things I can do each day to make myself feel good. Making such a list of activities for yourself may be a great first step to creating a calmer lifestyle! These activities don’t have to be huge, time-consuming, or even all that productive. Taking time to unwind in between the chaos life throws at us is exactly what we need to thrive and do our best! Below I’ve listed some of my favourite activities to help me relax and recharge; perhaps it’ll help you too!
Play and Listen to Music
Music is a big part of my life and one of my favourite pastimes. (Clearly, I wrote an entire article about it!) Whether it be mindlessly strumming my ukulele, having a dance party for one in my room, or humming along while studying, my life is surrounded by sound. Music helps take you out of the current moment, giving you something to focus on and ground you, which can be a great help when overwhelmed. This has been proven by many sources (like the National Library of Medicine), showing that music does in fact help us lower our stress levels and is beneficial for us in many ways.
Diving Into a Good Book
The other great love of my life is literature (I also wrote a whole article on this topic, if you’re looking for titles). Reading can be therapeutic, offering hours of fun and adventure. I like to jump into a novel at the end of a long, hard day to unwind and let my problems and stress melt away. Exploring a local bookstore, finding a quiet corner of the public library, or grabbing a book from your own collections are all entertaining and educational, making for a perfect pastime for those who want to still feel productive in their downtime. It is my favourite activity to do after a day of productivity, before getting some well-deserved rest. It can even improve your sleep too, if you replace the doom-scrolling on tiktok with a good book!
Get in Touch With Nature
Get outside! Going for a walk through the trees, or just around the block, is a great way to destress, get some fresh air, and get some exercise all in one! We have countless beautiful walking trails around campus, making it an excellent idea for those in residence or who might need something to do on breaks between classes. Along with the physical benefits, it has been proven to do wonders for our mental health, too!
Photo by Jenna McConnell
Spend Time With Your People
There is nothing better than spending time with your people when in need of a pick-me-up! Whether your parents, siblings, or friends, taking time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones does wonders for everyone involved. Lots of students have moved far away from their loved ones, or are simply too busy to interact as much as they’d like. Being social keeps you grounded and helps to blow off steam after a stressful day, and who doesn’t want that? The National Institutes of Health also preaches its benefits to our emotional and mental well-being; taking a night off is good after all!
Get to Cleaning!
A clean workspace does wonders for the mind. Besides being a productive way of taking a break from the books, a quick tidy can set you at ease and ready to take on new tasks that may have seemed overwhelming before. Quickly making your bed, picking up the clothes littering your bedroom floor (I know they’re there, don’t lie to me), or organizing your workspace will help you focus when you return to work, and the resulting spotless space will be a major mood boost.
Pamper Yourself
In the hustle and bustle of life, we can sometimes neglect ourselves in lieu of our responsibilities. One way I like to combat this is by focusing some time and energy on taking care of my body and pampering myself! Making time to shower, do proper skincare and perhaps even a face mask is a wonderful way to take care of yourself while having a little fun!
Write it Out!
If you’re into writing like I am, getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper is incredibly calming. Whether on an actual physical piece of paper, or dumping a rant into a note on your phone, getting your emotions out in this way can help release the pent-up frustration (or whatever strong emotion) you are feeling. It can also serve as a way to preserve happy memories of your day, creating a unique keepsake of this time of your life.
These are my personal favourite ways to make sure I’m happy and healthy, and I’m hoping that they work for you too! Finding what makes you feel good is a unique experience that takes trial and error, so don’t feel discouraged if you’ve not found your niche yet. This list was written to help you take that big first step on your way to finding your zen; relaxation awaits!