10 Things College Students Should Do to Stay in Balance During the Summer
Taking summer courses is a great idea to get ahead in your studies, retake courses, or fulfill prerequisites. However, many students get carried away with the fast-paced nature of summer courses, and struggle to maintain a healthy school-life balance. Don’t let your summer slip away by being consumed with class. Follow these tips to get the most out of your summer courses and still have a relaxing vacation.
10 Things College Students Should Do to Stay in Balance During the Summer
1) Rest
Listen, we know you’re working on tight deadlines and have plenty of due dates - but getting enough sleep each night is a necessity. Try to commit to 8 hours a night. If you can’t get in a full 8 hours, see if you can schedule some time for a midday nap. Even taking 30 minutes to swing in a hammock, or close your eyes on your beach towel and listen to the sound of the waves can make a huge difference.
2) Eat right
Believe it or not, an unhealthy diet can actually increase your stress levels. When you eat healthily, you prepare your body to fight stress. You should also try to reduce your caffeine intake - high doses can increase anxiety. This may be a hard task especially if you put yourself into a position where you need a few all-nighters, but you can always start again the next day by going for one less caffeine boost.
Craving something sweet? Summer is the perfect time to make your own healthy fruit popsicles. With simple and nutritious ingredients, you’ll have a refreshing frozen treat to keep you energized for your studies.
3) Reach out to friends and family
Receiving support from your family or your friends can get you through some pretty stressful times. Studies have shown that spending time with family, friends or loved ones can help reduce stress and anxiety, lead to a healthier lifestyle and lengthen your life. Consider joining your family for a day together at an amusement park, day hike, mini golfing, or just at a BBQ. Having support from those who care about you is a game changer for college students.
4) Write
Journaling can be relaxing - it can help your brain dump your anxieties, fears and feelings! It also allows you to collect your thoughts to self-reflect on any stressful situations. Before you go to bed each night, take a moment to decompress and write down your thoughts, feelings, and whatever adventures you went on that day. You can download the Journey app or one like it to help you get started on journaling.
5) Spend time outdoors
If you’re taking summer courses, it can be easy to get so caught up in studying and staying on track of assignments that you don’t even realize the day has gone by. Before you know it, the entire summer has gone by and you spent the entire time in your room. Remember to take breaks throughout the day and spend some time outdoors. You could even bring your books to the beach to study by the ocean and then cool off in the water afterward.
6) Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important activities in combating stress. If you’re around campus, NJIT has several exercise facilities, including an indoor track, pool, and a soccer field to keep your blood flowing. Research shows that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t. Take a break from homework to go for a jog on the track or to lift some weights and then get back to your books.
7) Interact with a pet
Come on, who wouldn’t want to do this anyway? But in all seriousness, it’s proven that hanging out with a pet promotes a positive mood. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, it may be time to take your dog for a walk or cuddle on the couch with your kitten. If you live on campus and don’t have a pet nearby, keep an eye out for “Pet a Puppy” days held by many organizations on campus.
8) Listen to your favorite songs
Music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress and hormones. Next time you’re feeling stressed, listen to your favorite playlist.
9) Light a candle
Some scents of candles can be extremely soothing. The most calming scents are lavender, rose, bergamot, orange or orange blossom and sandalwood. For those living in NJIT dorms where you can’t light a candle - a diffuser with essential oils is also highly recommended.
10) Know your resources
The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) provides safe, non-judgmental and confidential services that include individual and group counseling and workshops. The Center for Student Success includes Advising Success Center, Disability Support Services, and The Learning Center.
