Detach from everyday struggles with these must-see reality shows

With the stress of classes and other things going on in the world lingering all over campus, students are looking for ways to relax, and one of the best ways to do that is by watching some good reality TV. After all, the best way to not think about your own life is to watch other people's lives. 

Whether it's by catching up on a game show or a dating program, these reality shows are perfect for de-stressing. 

"Dancing with the Stars" 

"Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") is a dance show that follows a group of celebrities paired with one professional dancer learning the style of ballroom dancing. The current panel of judges includes Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, while the hosts consist of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. 

Each week, audiences can vote on which celebrity and pro pair they want to stay, and unfortunately, the duo with the fewest votes has to go home. "DWTS" is a nice tool for shaking off stress because it's high energy and creative, and seeing celebrities improve their skills each week is inspiring. Also, if you decide to vote, the show becomes even more interactive and accessible. 

"DWTS" is currently on its 33rd season, with celebrities including Olympian Ilona Maher, reality TV star Phaedra Parks, Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei. 

"DWTS" airs every Tuesday on ABC, streams live on Disney+ and is available the next day on Hulu. 

"Love is Blind"

"Love is Blind" follows a group of 30 singles who plan to get engaged without ever meeting one another. The show aims to test the theory that love is blind and to what extent looks are a factor in choosing a partner. The couples "date" each other in "pods," which are rooms where they can speak to each other but never see each other. 

Each season is filled with drama and an intense reunion special that can help distract you from your own drama. While it's entertaining to watch strangers unconventionally navigate relationships, be warned: It can sometimes hit a little close to home and get stressful.

The show is currently streaming on Netflix. 

"The Great British Baking Show" 

"The Great British Baking Show" follows a group of amateur British bakers who compete in different challenges to win the title of Britain's best amateur baker. Each round, there's a new task, and another person is eliminated.

After a long day, the show is worth turning on to wind down due to its tender, warm tone and emphasis on creativity and kindness. Even if you just have it on in the background as you work or lie in bed, the series will help brighten your day.

The show is currently available to watch on Netflix. 

"Queer Eye"

A reboot of the show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," which aired on Bravo in 2003, "Queer Eye" follows the "Fab Five" — Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Tan France and new cast member Jeremiah Brent, who entered the show after previous member Bobby Berk left. The team spends one week giving a person a makeover and offering overall life advice.

Each "Fab Five" member has a different area of expertise, including food and wine, design, grooming, culture and lifestyle and fashion. The person receiving the makeover is usually nominated by a family member or close friend. 

If you're struggling to be your best self, watching these success stories can be a welcome pick-me-up. There's a reason why the show is beloved as a comfort watch — with its uplifting tone and lack of drama, it provides a much-needed change of pace.

"Queer Eye" is currently streaming on Netflix. 

"RuPaul's Drag Race"

Though it can also be viewed as a game show, "RuPaul's Drag Race" is a reality series where drag queens compete in runway shows and singing and dancing tasks to win the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar." RuPaul hosts the show and is joined by a cast of rotating judges who help narrow down the number of queens to one champion.

Whether you're a new watcher or a longtime fan, there's something to be appreciated about the sense of community and safe space "Drag Race" brings. It's cathartic to watch others embrace their true identities, and it's especially motivating in the wake of exams. It also doesn't hurt that the show can sometimes be very comedic.

"Drag Race" is available to watch on both Hulu and Paramount+. 

What's great about reality TV is that regardless of the form it comes in, it offers a simple and effortless escape. And between all the heartwarming stories, very delicious desserts and insane dance choreographies, you might learn a thing or two.