Student life can be extremely hectic and draining. Stress has been harder than ever with students returning to campus, and managing time.
Sam Pamenter, a third-year marketing student says going back to school made her feel stressed and anxious.
“The workload we got was to be expected but the scheduling of the work was more stressful than anything else,” she says.
According to Cornell University, students should take purposeful breaks anywhere from 5–60 minutes from studying to refresh their brains and body.
The study reveals that giving yourself time to relax helps increase your productivity, ability to focus, motivation, creativity, and attention span.
Like many students, Pamenter spends most of her time at school or doing homework. She says the only time she catches a break after a long day is on her commute home.
If you spend most of your time at school and struggle to catch a break, here are five ways you can unwind on campus in between your classes.
1. Humber Spa
Humber Spa is the perfect way to relax those sore shoulders and is located right on campus in RM A109. Humber’s esthetician/spa management students offer spa treatments from skincare, nail care, facials, body treatments, and much more.
The best part is their affordable pricing!
They also offer several products you can purchase that will help improve your daily self-care routine varying from rose quartz rollers and gua sha, skin reset masks, and stress-positive eye lift creams.
If you’re not sure how to start your skincare journey, the student estheticians at the spa offer complimentary skin analysis consultations to assist individuals in selecting the perfect routine.
2. Squeeze in a workout
“Body movement is medicine,” says Zahra Zahed, a certified wellness coach, life coach, and Zumba instructor at the Humber Fitness Centre.
It helps bring oxygen to the brain and increases blood circulation. The more blood circulation means more nutrients to the brain.
Zahed, a third-year kinesiology student understands the stress that school brings and says depression and anxiety is oftentimes caused by the lack of nutrition to the brain.
“The answer is exercise,” she says.
Humber offers various opportunities for students to stay active. The Athletic Center welcomes students to play sports from basketball to badminton at their leisure and all you need is your student ID.
The gym provides sports equipment including towels and day-use lockers. You can find their schedule on the website which includes Zumba, yoga, mood walks, personal training, and various group activities.
If you’re looking to work out, the Fitness Centre has all the necessary equipment to have an effective workout, and membership is free for all full-time students.
Aside from exercising your body, it is important to exercise your mind as well.
Every Monday at 12 p.m., Humber’s fitness program hosts a wellness workshop covering all dimensions of wellness such as physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual.
Sessions consist of activities including a vision board, values activity, and SMART goal-making.
3. Treat yourself to some gourmet food
Did you know that Humber is home to an extraordinary gourmet cuisine?
The Humber Room is a unique experience created by students from the culinary and hospitality program for students, staff, and the broader community to try gourmet foods at an affordable price.
Starting at $7 appetizers, $13 entrees, and $7 desserts, the food and prices are unbeatable. They also serve plant-based foods for all the vegans out there!
A full belly makes a happy heart!
4. Game away!
Humber’s Game Room is located at KX2101 is a great way to kick back, relax, and get your game on with friends. With four pool tables, a Wii, and eight Xbox Ones, you will never get bored!
All you need is a piece of a government-issued ID and you’re set to sign out any console in the room for a 30-minute booking.
If you’re a pro gamer, every month, the game room hosts contests for gamers to come out and show off their skills.
5. Explore the Humber Arboretum
The Humber Arboretum consists of 250 acres of public gardens and natural areas located in the Humber River watershed that provides a healthy environment for plants, animals, and people.
The beautiful garden at the arboretum is the perfect place to explore nature, find a quiet spot to meditate, or take some breathtaking photographs.
Anna Sofía, an exchange student from Argentina says she loves to hang out at the Arboretum with her friends.
“It’s a great place for some fresh air, some absolutely beautiful views and it helps me get a more clear and more peaceful mind,” she says.
Whether you choose to break a sweat, take a hike, fill up your belly, or get your game on, the best way to end an activity is a great nap! IGNITE has brought back its sleep lounges after two years of closing.
Students will now be able to take a nap on campus in one of the comfy lounges provided by IGNITE. All you need is your student ID and you can sleep your stress away.
Make sure to check one of these five ways to relieve stress as the wellness of your mind and body is just as important as your grades!