Your lab partner is out with mono. You have a history paper due in 2 days and have barely begun your research. Your computer has crashed three times today and you’re about ready to explode. But before you do something dumb like punch a hole through a wall, take a deep breath, count to ten, and take a look at the list below.
Breathe Deep
Deep-breathing exercises get oxygen into your body and calm you down. Breathe deeply and slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, expanding your stomach fully. Repeat 5 to 10 times. For the long haul: Check out classes or books on yoga or meditation, which combine breathing and relaxation techniques.
Hit the Road
A change of scenery can alter your perspective on a stressful situation. Take a brisk walk, no matter what the weather. You will release tension and get some exercise. For the long haul: Schedule some form of physical activity a couple of days a week : walking, running, tennis, anything that gets your heart going to help reduce stress.
Stretch It Out
Stress often manifests itself in physical ailments, such as tension in the neck and shoulders (especially when you’ve been hunched over the keyboard for hours). Do slow neck rolls and shoulder shrugs to release tension. For the long haul: Set a timer and take a break from your desk at least once an hour, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and walk around your room, or take a stroll down the hall. Stretch your arms, legs, neck, and back.
Make a List
Overwhelmed by the dozen projects facing you, all of which need to be completed ASAP? Take a minute to jot down a study/task schedule, putting projects in priority. Then tackle them one by one, crossing each task off the list as you complete it. For the long haul: Consider taking a time-management course and learn how to juggle multiple tasks as well!
Create Some Order
Feel like screaming because you’ve rummaged through the piles on your floor, and you can’t find the research notes you need for your sociology paper due tomorrow? Stop. Take a deep breath, and take a time-out to do a quick cleanup of the mess, putting your papers, books, pens, and pencils in order. For the long haul: Go to a discount store and stock up on small bins, baskets, and file folders to hold all your stuff. Then get organized!
Yuck It Up
Laughter releases tension and increases feel-good brain chemicals. So do something silly. Play some tunes and dance around your room. Finger paint or draw with markers. Go to some funny Web sites. For the long haul: Keep comedy tapes/videos/DVDs or humorous books on hand.
Hit Something Safe
Nothing beats the physical release of letting loose and taking a few swings. So pummel away at your pillow and let off some steam. For the long haul: Go a few rounds with a punching bag at a gym a few times each week, or sign up for cardio kickboxing classes.
Play with Your Friends
When you’re totally stressed out, find fellow students who are in the same boat, then take it outside for some basketball or touch football. Or race around the building; the loser picks up the tab at the snack bar. For the long haul: Start a new intramurals team, or organize a monopoly tournament. It’s a great way to meet new people and get away from schoolwork and pressures.
Follow Your Muse
Doing something creative takes your mind to another place and can be an especially welcome respite when your left brain is working overtime on chemistry or econ. Play the piano for even 15 minutes. Cook a meal. Do a quick sketch. Anything that can engage your mind creatively can help relieve the tension of the moment. For the long haul: Take an art class, take up a musical instrument, try a dance class. Find some expression that will allow you to escape the pressures of your routine.
My favorite stressbuster? Chocolate.
Source: BE magazine Nov./Dec., Cheryl Winters Tetreau