Image - CC0 License  

There's a lot of responsibilities on our shoulders when we are going through college. It's not just about our education, but it's about making sure that we are tackling debt as well as giving ourselves a good quality of life, while also doing that all-important studying. It can feel like there's a lot to do but at the same time, we've got to make sure that we are tackling our demons, whatever they may be, in the most appropriate ways. Downtime may seem few and far between, but what can we do to make sure that we are giving ourselves a good quality of life while also tackling our insecurities?

Doing the Things That You Enjoy

The great thing about being absorbed in an activity that you care about is that it doesn't deplete your energy stores. If anything, it adds to it. Whatever you like doing, focus on it. Even if you are someone that struggles to get away from the laptop and ends up playing poker late into the night, it is still something that you enjoy. And when you delve into a hobby and try to get more out of it, it easily takes you away from your daily worries. With something like online poker, there's always an abundance of poker strategies. We can believe that we have to spend every spare moment studying, but when we end up being so focused on results, stress tends to follow. It's about doing the things that you enjoy, but also giving yourself the permission to enjoy them.

Good Quality Rest

It may seem obvious, but having proper downtime it’s about resting mentally and physically in between classes during the night or whenever you get a chance. As students, the temptation to stay up late always looms large. You've got to be strong and not give in to peer pressure. The fact is you will feel it when you've got to have some proper downtime. The best thing anybody can do to ensure that they rest properly is to focus on good quality relaxation. It doesn't necessarily have to be about sleeping more, but putting things into your life that makes you relax, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help keep anxieties at bay. Incorporating a daily habit will give you the opportunities to check in with yourself. If there is a day where you're not feeling quite right, is it because you haven't prioritized yourself? Rest is crucial, but it's about finding the right type of rest for your needs.

Stepping Away From Everything

Turn your phone off and shut your laptop and just think about nothing. Our brain is constantly turning and there are concerns about deadlines or what's going on in our job. Learning to detach yourself gives you the perspective to not overly worry about everything. When you tell yourself that you will step away for 20-minutes, it may only be the last minute or so where you feel truly at ease, but the next time you step away from everything, you may relax quicker. It's all about practice.