With holidays around the corner, assignments piling up, and social commitments abound, it is easy to get stressed during the holiday season. We can find ourselves saying yes to every event and plan, but then sacrificing the much needed sleep and self-care we all need to be our best selves. Setting limits, saying “no”, and prioritizing rest can be challenging as a college student, but incredibly necessary for maintaining our mental and physical wellbeing. Below are some tips to help you stay sane this holiday season.
- create a plan
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Tests, social events, and to-do list items can easily become overwhelming without a plan of action. Take out your calendar or planner and write down all the important dates coming up in the next few months and then create a plan. Write down when you will start studying for your final exam, when you will go shopping for holiday presents, or when you expect to have your essay outlined by. Write down just the essentials, so that you can fill in blank space with self-care, last minute activities, or simply free time.
- It’s Okay to Say “No”
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Saying “no” is hard. We want to say yes to every party, extracurricular, or extra credit opportunity, but that can quickly lead to an overloaded schedule and a lack of sleep. After determining what you NEED to do, assess your priorities to discover what you WANT to do, keeping in mind that you need time for sleep, nourishment, and down time. For all the commitments outside of necessities and priorities, practice saying no. You may experience FOMO, but you may also experience more peace of mind.
- Exercise
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Exercise is considered to be an excellent method of stress relief and while it’s difficult to squeeze in a work out between classes, studying, and social commitments, even a quick workout can provide benefits. Do a yoga class on YouTube, go for a quick jog, or take a fun workout class with a friend.Â
- Get Outside
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As the temperatures begin to drop, it can be easy to hunker down inside, but fresh air and sun can provide a great refresh for a poor mood. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by your to-do list, go for a quick stroll outside. It will clear your head and leave you feeling much more capable of whatever you need to do.
- Take a Break
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Does it feel like every hour of your week is scheduled? It may be time to schedule a break. Clear an hour of your schedule and write in some “me time”. Go to a movie, bake, do a facemask, or catch up on your favorite show. Taking some time for yourself is crucial and not an unproductive use of your time.
- Prioritize Sleep
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Prioritizing sleep as a college student can already feel like an uphill battle, add in the holiday season and it can feel near impossible. Neglecting sleep, however, can lead to feeling more stressed and less capable of tackling your to-do list. Getting more sleep has proven to have major benefits for your mental and physical well-being, so try and hit the hay early!
- Volunteer
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Research shows that volunteers show lower rates of depression and anxiety. Giving back can be a nice change of pace from the barrage exams and commitments during the holiday season, providing both a sense of purpose and perspective. Love pets? Work at your local animal shelter. Want to interact with people? Try a soup kitchen or elderly community center.
- Practice Gratitude
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Gratitude is shown to improve sleep, mood, and immunity – all of which are crucial for the holiday season. Take a few minutes a day to think of things you are grateful for. Whether it’s your friends, family, pet, or your morning coffee, paying attention to the things you are grateful for can provide a mood boost.