r/uofmn • u/Sad-Independence-624 • 1d ago
Campus Life what do you reward yourself with after hard times?
i’ve honestly been so stressed these past few weeks because i’ve had midterms nonstop, and i feel like it’s finally catching up to me. i’ve been constantly in a low mood, upset, exhausted, hungry, and even forgetting things that i’ve never had trouble remembering before. i feel like my brain is genuinely running on 1% at this point. when i finally have time off, i want to find ways to destress and treat myself a little. but i need new ideas..i’m bored of mine
what do you guys like to do when you’re stressed out of your mind? whether it’s going to a cafe, visiting somewhere around campus, trying a new activity, or just doing something nice for yourself, i’d love some ideas :’))
17
u/Bird_Eats_Everything 1d ago
I like to skip stones on the river :)
Ive found multiple paths down on both east and west bank where theres some small stones good for skipping, collect as many as my pockets can carry, and just go for it. If you see me, feel free to join!
3
u/BlizzardK2 Art | May 2025 1d ago
Bridal veil falls is the PERFECT spot for this!
2
30
21
u/theabcsong2 1d ago
a joint and a walk on stone arch bridge will get me pretty far when I’m feeling isolated
8
u/jaysketchin 1d ago edited 1d ago
I like to go to the first basement level of Wilson library, or the study spots at Wiley Hall on days where my energy is low but I want to be productive on personal projects or homework. Wiley Hall is nice because when it rains, you can hear it on the skylights and gives nice ambience. If you go there anytime after 2pm it’s usually pretty quiet.
You can also go to the Weisman near Coffman and check out their gallery. It’s a nice place. The big courtyard by Northrop has some nice grassy areas and tables you can sit at and people watch, too.
As for calm down activities, I like to get a book (or an audiobook) and get out my room. Cafe, library, park, etc, and read or draw in a change of scenery. The location change is a big help for me with getting out of a funk.
For treats: heat some milk and put malted chocolate ovaltine (or vanilla + honey) in that and sip it out of your fave mug under some blankets while watching a show or reading a book. Good cosy vibes 👍
6
u/DankAshMemes 1d ago
I smoke/vape some weed, have a really good meal somewhere, and spend some time with my hobbies. You have to force your brain to stop thinking about anything stressful though, similar to meditation. But I'm in basically a constant state of hyper vigilance so hopefully it's easier for you than it is for me lol
5
5
u/Nami-Sy 1d ago
It depends on you.. i can't tell you that the things i do will make you feel better!
So write a list of things you genuinely like! Any hobbies you have.. or maybe try to imagine a perfect day.... how would you spend it? What would you do? You'll figure out how to spend a nice time for yourself and based on your preferences!
And sorry to hear that you were feeling overwhelmed lately.. we are all like this.. just remember that after a hard work.. you will be happy with the results:)
1
u/Sad-Independence-624 1d ago
it's oki, it's definitely been worth it and i'm happy with results. you're definitely right about how it depends on us (for what will make us feel better), but i'm just so bored of mine that i want some excitement haha. some of these are very interesting to me, so i'll try them
5
u/humantraf 1d ago
Stop by PAWS sometime next week if you are an animal lover. There are dogs who are literally there to just love you and support you and also people who are supportive and friendly to talk to (if you want to socialize, but you can also choose not to!). Also, there are typically fluffy Silkie chickens there too! Monday 12-2pm, Tuesday 1-3pm, Wednesday 4-6pm, Thursday 11:30am-1:30pm. (This resource is available all school year!) You can google "paws umn" to find specific locations as these differ somewhat based on the day and week. It is super laid back and low stakes -- no structure or rules really, just show up ready to be loved on and pet some cute fluffy friends :)
Btw -- great work!! It is awesome that you are working so hard and you absolutely 100% deserve a long break and time to do things you enjoy. 🤗
2
u/MidNightMare5998 Psychology | 26 4h ago
Yess I love paws so much! They have been a huge lifesaver. There are always multiple very sweet dogs and I love when they have the rabbits there as well
5
u/BlizzardK2 Art | May 2025 1d ago
I usually like to treat myself to takeout and spend a night doing whatever I want. Usually that's parking myself in front of my computer and playing slime rancher (it's a really nice cozy game, and pretty easy too if you're not a Gamer™) while drinking a light alcoholic beverage. I usually go for a whiskey sour.
3
u/NafaiLaotze MechE | 2027 1d ago
I love to turn my wakeup alarm off on weekends and sleep 1-3 extra hours.
2
u/NafaiLaotze MechE | 2027 1d ago
Hard times that challenge me to keep going?
A pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Particularly Chubby Hubby flavor - chocolate covered pretzels, yum!
2
u/AGrandNewAdventure 1d ago
Ramen Noodles. I know, bougie, especially in this economy... but sometimes you just gotta treat yourself, ya know?
1
u/b0xf0x13 1d ago
A hug. Probably my own psychology/physiology, but something about human touch, especially on my back, literally drains the stress and anxiety right out of my body.
And the worst case scenario is you still get a hug. What's not to like? :P
1
1
1
1
1
2
u/MidNightMare5998 Psychology | 26 4h ago
Go out somewhere in nature. If you have the transportation to get a bit out of the city, check out one of the nature centers like Westwood hills. Go somewhere quiet, sit down on the ground, close your eyes and just listen to the wind whistle through the trees. Remember you’re a human being on this planet and all of this will be over soon. Breathe slowly and try to put aside every stressor and just focus on the smell of the clean air, the birds, the quiet.
Afterwards maybe read a fun book that you enjoy while under the tree. It always helps me a lot.
30
u/UnoriginalInnovation CompSci | Class of 2026 1d ago
Hard Times Cafe