20 ways to get your mind off of university stress

University applications can be stressful and can definitely distract you from prioritizing yourself. Below, with some research, we have created a list of activities to do to get your mind off the stress. Aim to do 1 or 2 of these daily:

1. Walk or jog outside, movement and fresh air clears your head and diffuses stress. Healthy body, calm mind. UBC Admissions

2. Dance or move to music, whether it’s blasting a playlist or vibing alone in your room, rhythm gets rid of tension and anxiety. Central Michigan University

3. Listen to your favourite music or playlist, music helps shift mood and gives you a gentle mental break. Central Michigan University

4. Hang with friends or family (or call someone): chatting or venting helps, and you realize you’re not alone. As one student said: “call a friend… after taking a break, you can come back with a clearer head.” UBC Admissions

5. Do something creative: draw, paint, or dance, creativity gives relief from the rigid mental stress of deadlines. Parchment

6. Exercise or play sports: physical activity reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps you feel in control again. Collegewise

7. Read a book, comic, or something fun and unrelated, being able to escape the stress helps you decompress. Central Michigan University

8. Do a chill hobby, or something you love for instance bake, cook, take a bath, treat yourself. Parchment

9. Taking a social‑media break, reading others’ “perfect lives” while you stress about applications is a bad idea. Social media often fuels comparison and anxiety. Central Michigan University

10. Sit in nature and go somewhere calm: trees, fresh air, quiet helps you reset mentally. University of Waterloo

11. Write or journal your feelings: getting thoughts out on paper helps you unload and reflect. Grown and Flown

12. Meditate or do breathing / mindfulness exercises: even 5 minutes helps clear stress and centre your thoughts. Central Michigan University

13. Sleep or take a power‑nap when you need it: a tired brain is an anxious brain. Rest helps everything reset. The Jed Foundation

14. Limit over‑thinking: reflect on what you control versus what you don’t, worrying about decisions you can’t control wastes energy. The Jed Foundation

15. Set small, clear goals instead of overwhelming lists: breaking tasks into tiny steps makes applications manageable and less terrifying. IvyWise

16. Talk to someone who’s been through it for example a counselor, alumni, older student, or older sibling, hearing their experience helps to ground your fears. UBC Admissions

17. Remember: admission isn’t everything and there are many paths to success. One rejection or wait‑list doesn’t define your future. Grown and Flown

18. Do something spontaneous and new: explore a hobby, plan a mini‑adventure, try a new activity, changing scenery or routine resets your brain. Central Michigan University

19. When you submit your apps — celebrate or decompress. Don’t just move on to the next stress. Giving yourself closure helps. Students say that after submission, letting go is key. UBC Admissions

20. Focus on what’s truly important: your health, happiness, relationships — not just admissions. Try to keep your life balanced, even during this chaotic season. The Jed Foundation

What might change when you implement this into your schedule?

• You’ll stop associating applications with total stress — instead, it becomes something you control.

• You’ll have real outlets for anxiety in order to build habits that help with future stress (in university, sports, life).

• You’ll see that your worth isn’t tied to acceptance letters, there’s so much room for mistakes, detours, and second chances.

• You’ll have a healthier headspace, applications are temporary and your mental health shouldn’t be.