Not even a full month into the semester and everyone is already feeling the stress creep out it’s ugly little head. How is this happening already?! Well, adjusting from a month off of schedules and homework can seem pretty difficult. Some people come in refreshed from break ready to start anew, and others may feel a little over-whelmed.
I’ve been feeling the stress of this semester and I need to find ways to just relax! I’ve been doing some research and I found some ways to stay “cool” for the semester.
Fun Tip:
- Plan a weekend get away with your friends. Getting out of your environment can really reduce your stress level.
- Get together with some people you haven’t seen in a while. Make plans to visit your family or grab lunch with a pal from last semester that you haven’t seen around.
- Do something for yourself. If you like dancing, go crazy in your room. If you like shopping, head to the mall for a window-shopping session. If you like movies, treat yourself to a movie and your favorite snack.
- Have dessert. I wouldn’t recommend in every meal, but every once in a while…indulge yourself in something sweet.
- Listen to a power playlist of feel good music. Here’s my feel good songs.
- P!nk’s Raise Your Glass > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjVNlG5cZyQ
- Chris Brown’s Yeah 3X > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mC2ixOAivA
- N*Sync’s Tearin Up My Heart > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0lv5llZaS8
- Destiny Child’s Say My Name > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQgd6MccwZc
- Flo Rida’s Club Can’t Handle Me Right Now > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgM3r8xKfGE
- Bruno Mars’ Just the Way You Are > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk
*Trust me, it’s a feel good list. Send us your feel good list if you have specific songs you like to jam out to when you’re having a crappy day.
When I was looking up relaxation techniques, I stumbled across the Mayo Clinic’s website on relaxation. Here’s there tips:
- Try autogenic relaxation. This is a technique where you use visual imagery and body awareness to reduce your stress. You can repeat words or suggestions to help you relax. Imagine some place you find peaceful and then focus on your breathing.
- Try progressive muscle relaxation. This technique is when you tense up your muscles one at a time and release them one at a time. This causes you to become aware of muscle tension and relaxation.
- Try visualization. Sit or lie somewhere peaceful and close your eyes. Imagine yourself in a very calm, peaceful setting and let yourself feel all of the sensations of this place. If your visualizing a beach, feel the sand, hear the waves, smell the salt water. Bring yourself to a calm visual and take a journey.
To see more about these techniques and other relaxation tips, go to http://www.mayoclinic.com.
And if you are still feeling the stresses of this semester after trying your best, remember there are always resources available to you.
- Head to your Resident Advisor or ask an Orientation Ambassador if they can help you out.
- Go to the Counseling Center to talk to someone about your stress.
- They are located on South Campus, McGauvran Student Center, 3rd Floor across from Health Services. You can walk in to make an appointment or call 978-934-4331. They’re open weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm.
- Head to the Rec Center to blow off some steam.
- Talk to your advisor if your course load in over-bearing.
- Join a club to start doing something you love.
There are a ton of different ways you can reduce your stress!!
Have a good, stress-free week!!
—Ashley