Being a college student comes with a lot of stress. Adding extracurriculars, the pressure of finding a job/internship or deciding on a graduate school, keeping up with friends, etc. can feel overwhelming sometimes. I try my hardest to avoid anxiety and stress, but sometimes it creeps up on you.

One guaranteed way to help de-stress is to pray. God will never put you in a situation that you can’t make it through, so just lean on Him in your tough times. He will carry you through, and once you’re on the other side you’ll look back and wonder why you were ever stressed in the first place. Sometimes I just have to remind myself of how blessed I am and how far I’ve come and it brings me back down to earth.

Other times, I need a little bit more. I will either write in my journal, take a nap, call one of my best friends, or go somewhere off campus. When you get stuck on campus it sometimes keeps you stuck in the school “mode” that’s tough to escape, even when you’re not actually doing work. Getting off campus releases you from that and allows you to clear your mind.

One place I visited this month was Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. It was my first time there and I loved it. The art and architecture were both so beautiful! I felt like I could spend all day in there and be completely content. Art can transport you to another world. You don’t have to think about anything but the art itself. Making or even just viewing art can help relieve stress, boost self-esteem, provide a sense of self-accomplishment, encourage creative thinking, and increase brain plasticity. Art is for everyone!

Now go off and find your happy place. I’m constantly in search of new places that bring me peace, so if anyone has any suggestions for places I should visit, let me know!

Outfit Details

Sweater Dress, Anorak, and Boots: Zara

xoxo, Arielle