During my time in college so far, I’ve been balancing more responsibilities than I did in high school between working, extracurriculars, classes, and keeping in touch with my family. Luckily, I’ve found many ways to relax throughout the year.
When I’m alone, I take a break by shooting baskets at the rec center courts and listening to music. If I find the perfect time to go, the courts are empty, and I can stay for hours. Occasionally, I’ll play pickup games too, which has been a great way for me to meet new people. If the basketball courts are full, I’ll take a stroll around campus. This has made me much better at navigating where buildings are, and it’s a fun way to see what’s going on around campus. Occasionally, I’ll call my family while I walk; other times, I’ll take a quick lap then get back to studying. It’s always nice to get some fresh air and clear my mind.
Sometimes, I decompress by leaning on my community at Hopkins. Being involved in club basketball and Believe in Art have been fun ways to relax while still being productive. Basketball and art always make me feel optimistic about the work I have left to complete. They help clear my head and remind me that whatever I’m worrying about will work itself out.
It also helps to talk to my friends about how I’m feeling. Everyone I chat with has been able to relate, and it makes me feel better knowing we’re all going through similar experiences. They’ve also been more than happy to help me whenever they can. Whether it’s explaining a concept or giving study tips for a class, everyone has been friendly and welcoming. For instance, in my biology class, we have to list one way we “took a break” from studying in our discussion posts after exams. Reading everyone’s responses was a great way to find more ideas of calming activities on campus.
One of my most favorite ways to relax is connecting with my family. I might watch a show or FaceTime my sister. My top three shows to watch with friends and family are “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” and “The Amazing Race.” Throughout the semester, I try to get in the habit of getting my work done early so I can watch them before bed. Sometimes my friends and I back home plan to watch a show at the same time and text while it’s on. This has been a fun way to stay connected to them and take my mind off school.
I have also found creating a schedule full of variety keeps me more positive throughout the semester. Taking classes that fit my interests but aren’t necessarily needed for my degree have given me a mandatory break throughout the week. During my first year, I always looked forward to my ASL class, and it was a refreshing pause from all my other STEM classes. Occasionally, my teachers offer to move our exams if students have a lot of tests that week. Their compassion has definitely saved me a couple times, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
There’s also a bunch of resources on campus that students can use when they need extra support. There’s tutoring, study help, and counseling. Sometimes, a therapy dog named Tillie comes to the rec center so students can pet her. I haven’t attended Tillie Tuesday yet, but I want to at some point during my time at Hopkins. RAs will also hold fun activities that take my mind off my classes like decorating foam skulls for Día de los Muertos, making stress balls, watching movies, or playing games like Monopoly and Scrabble. Some campus-wide traditions like Spring Fair, Lighting of the Quads, and Hoptoberfest are also helpful ways connect with other students, get free Hopkins gear, and most importantly, take a break from working.
I’ve always felt supported when I’ve reached out for help, and I enjoy looking for new ways to unwind on campus. There’s still so many resources and things to do that I haven’t explored yet, but I’m sure I will during my next two years at Hopkins!
