It’s that point in the semester where all college students seem to be feeling tired and overwhelmed. Friends ask, “How are you doing?” and we politely respond with “Oh, I’m good,” sparing the details of our busy schedules. As humans, we normalize having a packed schedule rather than slowing down when life starts to become overwhelming. I have recently caught myself in that state of mind instead of focusing on the things that bring me joy. I’m here to share with you things, both big and small, that bring me joy in the midst of being a busy college student.
Community:
Community is one of the ways I find myself enjoying college despite a busy schedule: I am super blessed to have people in my life who fill my cup! Every week, I go to a small group where we encourage and lean on one another. It’s sweet to have people who are willing to listen to me and also open up about their lives. Along that line, going to coffee shops with friends is another activity that brings me joy. Some of my favorite coffee shops in Fayetteville are the Co-Op, Old Pine Coffee Roasters, Confident Coffee Roasters, and Dodo Coffee Co. These coffee runs can easily boost my serotonin for the day.
Touching Grass:
Another way I stay sane while being caught up in the hustle of college is by being outside. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, I make sure to work some type of movement for my body into my schedule. There’s something about a campus walk or casual stroll with a friend that helps clear my mind and ease it from distractions. I meet up with my friend Ella once a week to run, and we often choose routes around Lake Fayetteville or Gulley Park, both of which offer scenic and peaceful paths. Running can seem intimidating, but it is a deeply rewarding experience. Each time I complete a run, I feel proud of myself for embracing the challenge. Another lighthearted outdoor activity I recommend is pickleball. A quick game with friends at Wilson Park always reminds me to relax and have fun.
Alone Time:
While quality time and being around people is important to me, I also understand the importance of winding down and creating space for yourself. In the midst of being a college student, we also must prioritize self-care and rest. Now this isn’t an every night routine, but I try my best to have alone time. After doing my skin care routine and showering, I make some tea. There’s something comforting about a warm cup of tea by my bedside table. My favorite is Sleepytime Tea, which I often enjoy while reading my Bible. It’s in this moment when I intentionally put down my phone and prioritize my faith. If I have a bit more energy, I like to pick up a fun book. I wouldn’t consider myself an avid reader, but I love the feeling of opening a paperback. My most recent reads were “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins, both of which I highly recommend.
Finding Joy in the Mundane:
I also find joy in the small, everyday moments. I love thrifting and discovering pieces I know I’ll keep for years. Movie nights are another favorite pastime, and I often share my reviews on the Letterboxd app. I also enjoy scrolling through Pinterest and creating mood boards that inspire me. Through my job at Main Hill Media, I’ve discovered joy in creating graphics and learning more about content creation. Even a simple car ride with the windows down and Fleetwood Mac or Role Model playing can lift my spirits. And of course, there’s something special about a spontaneous sweet-treat run. One of my favorites is stopping for 3 Crazy Berries here in Fayetteville.
These small things give me a reminder that life is more than the responsibilities of being a college student. We do not always have to say no to things simply because we are busy, but rather we should be making time to be with the people we love and trying out new hobbies we’ve been curious about. Years from now, we won’t want to look back on our college days wishing we had done more.
My advice: Take it all in and find joy wherever you can.