March has just rolled around, which means we are almost a fourth of the way done with the year, and halfway done with spring semester. With that comes a lot of stress about midterms, graduation, holidays and all the in-betweens. Take it from a person who is currently juggling a full-time job, full-time classes, and my wedding this month. I can tell you I am stressed! But every day I am making it through, and I can tell you one of the easiest ways I have managed my stress is by socializing with family and friends. But it isn’t just the socializing that’s been helpful, but also what we have done in the time we’ve met, and that’s what I want to share with you.
You might be wondering why I feel like I have to share ways to socialize and de-stress your life. It’s partly because I, for the longest time, thought the best way to get rid of my stress was to battle it head on. While I can say cutting through the problems of your life is definitely beneficial, it isn’t always practical. Sometimes you can’t control the weather, and sometimes you can’t control someone calling out of work sick on a day you had to study extra for an exam coming up. I’ve been there and it is a lot to deal with. That’s why I feel it’s important that I share what I have found to be the best outings you and your friends can go on to de-stress.
Paint Nights
This is by far my most favorite way of going out and having a good time, while taking the stress off. You don’t have to be an art major to participate in a paint night, and it’s relatively inexpensive. I actually just went to Key to My Art in Amityville for my bachelorette party with 10 other ladies, and had a blast for just $25. The best part is that at this paint night you had access to wine (you did have to pay extra for it), so if you wanted to be that girl who holds a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other this is where you have to be! Painting is a great way to get your mind off of all of your problems, and each session runs about 1-2 hours. You get to choose the painting you and your friends paint, and there is more than just beaches and star-filled skies to work with. Want to paint Chewbacca? Or an actress you like? Get in touch with the paint-night people and see what tutorials they offer! And then kick back, pick up a brush and call your friends because we all know how much you need this.
Campus Events
If you guys aren’t already following Farmingdale State Colleges Campus Activities Board (CAB) then I would jump right on Instagram and find them. They plan various events around campus for students to engage with other students, (and faculty when they come) that give a boost of energy with fun and food. They host BBQs, movie nights, stuff a Pokémon, and sometimes just give out food during the day. They’re always posting about the events that are coming up so make sure you follow them for updates.
Picnics
Don’t let me lose you here, because I know what you’re thinking. Winter isn’t over yet and she’s talking about going on a picnic. I am and let me tell you it’s because I really love picnics. Forget tradition, you can just throw a blanket down in your basement and have your friends bring their favorite meal/desserts and pretend you’re in the wilderness. Who said our imagination has to go away as we get older? The whole point of a picnic is to surround yourself with friends and good food, so do it even if it’s winter and just enjoy the simplicity of it! Sometimes less really is more.
Go for a Walk
Again, something that is outdoors but even when it’s cold you can bundle yourself up and enjoy a nice stroll, you know! Invite some friends over and just walk around your neighborhood. Put your phones away and talk about your problems. Greet your neighbors and bring your dog with you. Socialize with your community even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Sometimes the quiet purr of cars on the street and the wind shifting the trees is very calming and can really clear your mind. It’s free and can really bring some relief.
So there you have it, the many forms of socialization I have done to make sure I don’t break down each week from stress. It’s hard being a student even when you’re not working full time, so you have to make sure you devote yourself to caring for yourself. You may think you can handle everything, like I used to, but you need to step back and really think what is best for yourself. Pushing yourself to be better is great, but don’t break yourself. Take a deep breath, call up your friends and go out. Trust me, you’re gonna love it.