As exams and homework take over our lives, finding a moment to relax often feels impossible. We’ve all become experts at the minute-by-minute daily hustle: dashing across the Freshman Quad, iced latte in hand, racing to make it from Hodson Hall to the Undergraduate Teaching Labs in under 10 minutes. Every day feels like a trek with a backpack full of deadlines, leaving us all desperate for a bit of “me time.”
To help you hit the reset button, here are five simple ways I recharge after classes — no need for faraway trips or breaking the bank!
Watch your comfort show or movie
There’s nothing quite like returning to your comfort zone after a long day. Rewatching classic sitcoms like The Office or Friends feels like a piece of home, especially for freshmen who suddenly find themselves far from everything familiar. There’s something magical about curling up under a pile of blankets, surrounded by pillows and enjoying your favorite show.
If you’re up for it, invite some friends over, even if you’re planning to watch something emotional. After all, the only thing better than laughing together is crying together! My personal favorite is Grey’s Anatomy (and no, not because I’m pre-med). It’s just the perfect mental escape — letting me disappear into another world and forget about the day’s stress.
Go for a run or walk to clear your head
Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around campus, hitting the weights at the Rec Center or going for a 3-mile run, exercise is a great way to clear your mind. It might sound counterintuitive, especially when you’re already drained after a long day of classes, but trust me, being active is a game-changer. Those feel-good endorphins can make you feel like you can take on anything. Even a short workout can shift your perspective and boost your mood.
If you need a mental break as much as a physical one, exercising outdoors can be particularly refreshing. The fresh air, rustling leaves and rhythmic sound of your footsteps can transform your outlook, leaving you feeling more centered and capable.
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No need to rush through campus buildings—take a moment to walk, breathe and appreciate the beauty around you.
Get creative with art or crafts
Tap into your creative side! Even if the best you can draw is stick figures, creating something with your hands can shift your focus from academic stress. There are countless ways to explore art: pick up a brush pen for lettering or try your hand at graphic design with Adobe InDesign. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s expression. Sometimes, the process itself is more relaxing than the finished product.
Looking to take it further? Join a creative club! You’ll meet like-minded people and discover new ways to unwind. (A little birdie told me The News-Letter is looking for contributors; just saying!) The best part? You don’t need to be a pro: just showing up and giving yourself permission to create without pressure can help you relax and recharge.
Eat something good or cook with friends
Whether it’s a steaming bowl of ramen (a classic college staple), a sandwich made from whatever you can scrounge up (yes, ketchup and potatoes can work), or a luxurious treat via UberEats, nothing hits the spot like food. Sometimes, it’s not even about what you eat, but the simple act of slowing down to savor something delicious.
Short on time? Try making quick dishes like pasta with pesto or microwavable mug cakes. Meal prepping on weekends can save you the stress of cooking after classes. And, if you’re up for it, gather your roommates or friends for a cooking session! It not only brings everyone closer but also means you don’t have to handle all the dishes solo.
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Brighten your week by treating yourself and your friends to some delicious food!
Journal for mindfulness
Journaling for mindfulness is hands-down one of the best ways to calm a mind that’s swirling with worries. When everything feels insurmountable, there’s something incredibly soothing about grabbing a notebook, climbing into bed and just writing it all out. Vent about how your regrade request is still stuck in limbo, how your professor dared to assign another 10-page paper or even how your hoodie getting snagged on the door handle was really the final straw.
What’s great about journaling is that it’s entirely yours. If you want to end the day on a positive note, jot down three things you’re thankful for. But if you need to let off steam, it’s the perfect place to vent your deepest frustrations (just be sure to tuck your journal away safely if you’re really letting loose). Whether you use it to reflect, unwind or gain clarity, journaling is a comforting way to reset and breathe.
The exhaustion brought on by day after day of hustling can only be countered by prioritizing yourself. Whether you go for a run, lose yourself in something creative, jot down your thoughts, binge-watch your favorite show or cook up something tasty with friends, taking time for self-care is essential. Burnout is a destructive force, so remember to find what works best for you and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it!
