The Importance of Having Fun in College

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As a college student, when your schedule becomes so jam-packed that you are living in the library or bringing a pillow to your Chem lab, it can be easy to forget about having fun, which is one of the most important things to remember. This may seem like obvious wisdom, but, for many students, the pressure to make good grades and secure a job after graduation can lead to a very imbalanced life while in school. Here are some reasons why you should be having as much fun as you can.

Reduce Stress

Having fun actually does reduce stress. Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and growth hormone. It also increases the level of neurotransmitters and hormones like endorphins, which are major health enhancers. So, although it may feel like you desperately need the extra hour of study time that it would take to grab a coffee with friends, realistically, you may actually reap more benefits from having fun for a while. Not only will your body have the ability to de-stress, you will fuel yourself with necessary feel-good hormones that will help you go the extra mile in that last leg of studying.

Make Friends

Going out of your way to have a good time in college will also result in better friendships. When you spend time doing things that you enjoy, you are a more balanced and interesting person and automatically more attractive to others. You also have much more of an opportunity to meet new people while doing something fun, as opposed to studying in your room or eating in the lab. If you find yourself in a routine when it comes to your schedule and study habits, try eating somewhere outside or allot a specific amount of time during the week to doing something that will make you happy, like going to the movies.

True friendships are hugely important for your well-being. Balance your work and play time and you will be happier and more apt to make meaningful relationships.

Do Better Than Ever on Your School Work

Not only will taking some time for fun enhance your day, it will ultimately improve the strength of your coursework. If you break up your study time with feel-good activities, you will no longer be piling stress-related activities on top of one another. This will help your body return to an equilibrium and perform better in all the functions necessary to retain information and think logically.

Although your education should be your first priority while in school, if it is your only priority, you run the risk of ultimately doing damage to your health and the quality of your education. So, next time you’ve been in the library for a good four hours and your friends call for a coffee break, go with them!

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