Handling Stress During Semester

03/05/2020 12:04 AM

Hi y’all! One of the questions I get asked frequently on tours is about how to manage stress during the semester. Everyone’s always looking for that next college hack, right?

I’m really fortunate that I’ve found something to help me destress that works every time, and it’s something my friends really benefit from too: baking. Anyone who knows me can tell the second they see an Instagram or Snapchat story of cookies or my countertop covered in ingredients that I have been having a stressful day. I’m a little predictable at this point.

Everyone has to work through their stress differently. And once you’re in college, there are a lot more options at your disposal. The reason I bake is that it gives me something to do that keeps me off my phone, occupies my mind, and gets me on my feet and rocking around my kitchen. I don’t use mixers or any electric tools (even though I know it would be easier if I did), because I like the time and effort it takes to beat together your ingredients and work through each step by hand. I typically bake different types of cookies, but I love to branch out into pie, brownies, and (hopefully soon) cake pops!

Baking doesn’t seem very exciting, I know, but the point of de-stressing in college can honestly be as simple as making a chocolate chip cookie. Besides, not only do I get to take the time to stop focusing on school or work or whatever, but I get to share my sweets with my pals once they’re done. I’ve always found this creates a reason to spend quality time with my people after I’ve worked through things on my own. While it’s nice to do something for yourself, it’s also important to remember that you may find some of your best friends at college who can be great resources to go to when things are hard.

So don’t sweat the stress relief tips and tricks too much. You’ll find your ways to help yourself through as you go through college. I never knew I’d be a baking fiend when I was a freshman, but it’s all about doing what helps you take a step back and just enjoy your time.