College is stressful. Like really stressful. Between balancing exams, readings, and general studying it sometimes feels like homework is never ending. Throw in going out with friends and trying to get more than 5 hours of sleep and you’ve got the perfect recipe for stress.

(you might even be feeling like a burnt piece of toast by that point)

But the question is, how do you find your chill amidst the never ending stress? It took me way longer than I would like to admit to figure it out. After a lot of trial and error I’ve got a little list of self-care that helps me see through the stress, or waves, of college.

1. Walking

Walking is at the top of my list for many, many reasons. For starters, exercise is a great release of extra energy you built up from stress. Getting your body moving and away from your stressor is going to feel better than it sounds! Now the biggest reason I love walking is because it clears my head. I give myself time during the beginning of a walk to sort through my thoughts and think through ones that I can’t let go of. From there, it’s just about keeping my body moving and letting go of the things I can’t fix right then and there.

My favorite time of day to walk is in the morning, before classes but after coffee (obviously). Campus is fairly empty. It’s usually quiet and sometimes I get lucky with a gentle breeze. I can’t emphasize enough how perfect it is to start my day that way.

2. Reading/Writing

Hi. Here you are, reading a blog that I wrote. I think we’ve established I really enjoy writing.

…and if you read my last blog post you know I love reading.

The feeling when you find a book and get sucked into a whole new world is unmatched. It’s getting lost in a new adventure alongside your favorite characters. It’s trying to solve a mystery before the detective does. It’s finding a heart in the character you’re supposed to like least. There’s nothing like it.

Important note: reading a book for class is not the same as reading a book for fun, even if you are en english major. Find your genre, try something new and set time aside just to read. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.

3. Candles

It’s small and basic I know. But never underestimate the power of a good smelling candle. A good, relaxing smell can set your mind at rest if you let it. Some of my favorite scents are lavender, vanilla, or a holiday cookie candle (a personal favorite of mine and my dear roommate Meghan).

Picture it now… fall is here and its breezy. The leaves have turned shades of brown and orange. You’re sitting inside, your book in hand and coffee in the other. you’re under your favorite fluffy blanket and a warm, lit candle is on the table in front of you, ushering fall right in to your space.

4. Cozy Corner

I’ve decided to call this last self-care item cozy corner as it didn’t fit as anything else. Cozy corner has a couple of meanings that depend on how you feel. Sometimes cozy corner involves things 2 and 3; in which case it is a literal cozy corner.

Other times cozy corner means surrounding yourself with friends that don’t drain your energy. This can look like sitting quietly in a room together just existing or cracking jokes about anything and everything in life.

Cozy Corner can also look like putting in headphones and just listening to music/podcasts and tuning out the world. Or sitting in complete silence taking a nap when the day has been overstimulating.

It looks different based on what you need that day. Some days you need to surround yourself by friends and lean on them for help. Other days you don’t have the energy to see anyone. Cozy Corner should be your safe place in life, whatever that looks like for you. Metaphorical corner or not, we all need a spot to retreat to.

A prime example is Lucky’s Cozy Corner… aka my jacket.

As the semester is now kicking into gear it’s time to start figuring out what works best for you. Remember to take time for yourself.

I hope you have a wonderful week and a happy labor day <3!