As a student, I definitely understand how stressful school and homework is. I have been constantly trying to find activities that help take my mind off things and give me a breath of fresh air, and I’ve finally found them. Here’s a list 10 de-stressing activities:
- Pottery Painting at Color Me Mine
You might think pottery painting sounds difficult, but surprisingly it’s not. If you can step away from being a perfectionist, painting on different pottery items is very soothing and allows you to be focused on something calm and fun. It only takes about a week for the studio to glaze and fire your pieces. The price per painter is $8 and then in addition you pay $17 and up for your pottery pieces.
Color Me Mine | 16 Van Aken Wy, Portland, ME
- Go on a walk or run
Getting in some exercise is very important for your mental health. Running and walking helps move your mind from stress and anxiety very fast. Especially if you’re getting outside and doing movement, it will help bring you down to earth. If you have a good enough pair of sneakers and a good playlist, you can go on a run or walk anywhere! Get on it!
- Start journaling
You’ve probably heard some things about journaling and thought it couldn’t work as much as people say, but it truly does. Journaling your thoughts and feelings while also tracking your habits and moods helps you stay on top of your mind and body. You can figure out how your mind works and save yourself from extra stress by helping yourself faster than you normally would. You can use any notebook laying around to journal, or even your phone or laptop to start journaling now!
- Hot Yoga at Greener Postures
Hot yoga is absolutely life changing. Your mind slows down, your heart slows down, and your stress diminishes. You also can get in good stretching and movement while still being very relaxed and calm. Greener Postures Yoga has many different class offerings and prices. Some classes like heated Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and more. Prices are $19 per class and $160 for 10 classes, but luckily for you, they are offering a new student special that is unlimited outdoor and indoor classes for a week for $30.
Greener Postures Yoga | 740 Broadway St, South Portland, ME
Greener Postures Yoga | 65 Gray Rd Suite 6, Falmouth, ME
- Get your favorite meal or snack
Eating your favorite foods helps you get small doses of happiness when you’re stressed out. Even though emotional-eating and stress-eating is viewed as negative, it really can help some people calm down by giving you that nostalgic bliss feeling.
- Get a Massage at Southern Maine Massage & Wellness
Yes, a massage seems very extravagant while being a broke college student, but Southern Maine Massage & Wellness has massages for the lowest price of $85 as a non-member. Getting a massage is essentially made for stress relief because of how deeply relaxed and calm you feel after which helps reduce stress hormones. They also offer other services such as facials, waxing, etc with decent prices as well. Check them out!
Southern Maine Massage & Wellness | 1309 Broadway St, South Portland, ME
- Start a new book
Reading is by far one of the best ways to get your mind off things and literally go into another reality. Whether it’s a fantasy, romance, or even historical fiction book, it will help you get out of your own reality and go into a different one. Go pick up a book!
- Watch your favorite tv show or movie
Your favorite movie or show is your favorite for a reason –comfort– even if it’s a crazy dramatic or funny show, it will help you get out of your own reality as well. What’s your favorite movie or show? Go watch it!
- Get a smoothie or super juice at The Juicery
The Juicery has many different kinds of smoothies and juices. Drinking a fun drink that has good nutrients like a smoothie or juice is good for your mind and body. Juice and smoothies have a lot of vitamins and antioxidants that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Go get some!
The Juicery | 5 1/2 Moulton St, Portland, ME
- Get off your devices
Devices are one of the main stress-causers nowadays, because of social media, news, etc. A lot of the time, people don’t even realize that their phone is causing them random stress and anxiety. Getting off your devices and not focusing on the content you usually see is very good for detoxing from stress.
What are your favorite ways to get rid of stress? Comment on our Instagram @thesmccbeacon !
The SMCC Beacon 