Activities
Because having fun is important!
Do what you love!
Ask yourself what activities you enjoy, and find a way to incorporate them into your life as much as possible. There are numerous benefits to having fun doing what you love, like decreased stress, better connections, and increased emotional well-being. In college, having fun is important in addition to being productive. Set aside time for doing the activities that allow you to just relax and have a good time. Try to make a plan each week that you will be able to look forward to. Invest in the experiences that make you happy. They will turn into lasting memories that you can draw on for years to come.
Try New Things
College is a time where we learn a lot, and this goes far beyond the lecture hall. Learning new things and being open to new experiences is fulfilling because it boosts well-being, confidence, creativity, and keeps us curious. You can shake up your routine and try new things in small and simple ways, like trying out a new coffee shop or taking a chance on a yoga class.
Psychologist Mihalyi Czikszentmihalyi coined the term “flow states.” Flow states are when we are deeply focused on something, and our minds don’t wander as much or pay attention to time. Flow states bring both a sense of healthy challenge and relaxation.
Finding your flow state is beneficial to your well-being. So, try to get engaged in a hobby--it could be one you already enjoy or one that is completely new and interesting to you. For me, I tried painting. I’m not a particularly good painter, but putting some time aside to work on a painting was a way for me to build a new skill, take a breather from the stressful rhythms of the day, relax, and do something creative and fun. So, try something new or pick up an old hobby. It will be a break from your regular college routine. And, it is a great way to pursue what you enjoy, learn something new, and build confidence, which is fulfilling for well-being and happiness!
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References:
Nakamura, J., Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014). The Concept of Flow. In: Flow and the Foundations of Positive Psychology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9088-8_16