College life at UA is busy. Between rushing from class to class, squeezing in meals, and figuring out when to study, stress can build up fast. And while a full spa day sounds amazing, most of us only have 10–20 minutes between classes to catch our breath.
The good news? You don’t need hours to reset. Small, intentional breaks can make a huge difference in your focus, mood, and energy. Here are some quick, practical ways to de-stress on campus without falling behind.
1. Move Your Body
Sitting in back-to-back lectures can make you feel drained. A quick burst of movement helps reset your energy.
Ideas you can actually do between classes:
- Walk a loop around the Quad instead of scrolling on your phone.
- Stretch in a quiet spot like a study lounge or even outside on the grass.
- Take the long route to your next class and breathe in some fresh air.
Even five minutes of walking helps shake off that brain fog.
2. Breathe It Out
Stress often sneaks up when you don’t realize it. A few minutes of mindful breathing can calm your nervous system.
Simple technique:
- Inhale for 4 counts.
- Hold for 4 counts.
- Exhale for 4 counts.
- Repeat 4 times.
You can do this in the library, the Ferg, or even sitting in class before it starts. Nobody has to know.
3. Grab a Quick Bite or Hydrate
Sometimes “stress” is just low blood sugar or dehydration in disguise.
- Keep a granola bar, fruit, or trail mix in your backpack.
- Refill your water bottle at one of the campus hydration stations.
- If you have Dining Dollars, hit Dunkin’ or Starbucks for a pick-me-up.
Fueling your body gives your brain the boost it needs to push through the day.
4. Switch Environments
A change of scenery can work wonders. If you’ve been stuck in the same building all morning, take your next break somewhere different.
- Study lounges in the Rec or Gorgas Library.
- Coffee shops like Heritage House or Monarch.
- Outdoors on the Quad or Riverwalk if the weather is nice.
Even 10 minutes in a new environment can reset your mindset.
5. Listen to Something That Calms or Energizes You
Music and podcasts are portable stress relievers. Pop in your headphones and give your brain something positive.
- A hype playlist before a presentation.
- Lo-fi beats to reset after a tough exam.
- A short podcast episode for entertainment or inspiration.
It’s a mental reset button you can carry in your pocket.
6. Write It Down
Stress often comes from juggling too many thoughts at once. Writing them down clears your head.
- Jot down a quick to-do list in your notes app.
- Brain-dump worries or random thoughts in a small notebook.
- Write one thing you’re grateful for that day.
It doesn’t have to be fancy journaling — just get it out of your head and onto paper.
7. Social Reset
Sometimes the best stress relief is a quick laugh or check-in with a friend.
- Text a roommate to meet for coffee.
- Call a friend during a walk to your next class.
- Stop by the Ferg to see who’s around.
Human connection is one of the best natural stress relievers.
8. Power Nap (Yes, Really)
If you live close to campus or have a car nearby, a 20-minute nap can be life-changing. Just set an alarm and don’t overdo it. Even closing your eyes in a quiet space can help your brain recharge.
9. Mindful Scroll (If You Control It)
Scrolling TikTok for an hour isn’t stress relief, but giving yourself 5–10 minutes to laugh at memes or watch a funny video actually can help. Set a timer, enjoy it guilt-free, and then move on.
10. Combine Stress Relief with Your Routine
The trick to making these resets stick is weaving them into your day. Pair stress relief with things you already do:
- Stretch while you wait for class to start.
- Breathe deeply while walking across campus.
- Listen to music while eating a quick snack.
Small changes add up, and they’ll leave you feeling calmer and more in control.
Example Reset Routine Between Classes
Here’s what a 30-minute break between classes could look like:
- 0–5 minutes: Walk outside, grab water.
- 5–10 minutes: Do a quick stretch or breathing exercise.
- 10–20 minutes: Snack while listening to music or a podcast.
- 20–30 minutes: Jot down a to-do list and head to your next class.
Instead of zoning out on your phone, you’ve actually recharged in a way that helps you focus for the rest of the day.
Wrapping It Up
College is stressful, but you don’t have to wait until you’re burned out to deal with it. By building in quick resets between classes, walking, breathing, grabbing a snack, writing things down, or connecting with friends, you can manage stress before it piles up.
The best part? None of these take more than a few minutes. Next time you feel drained on campus, try one of these quick resets and notice how much lighter you feel heading into your next class.
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