University Counseling Center (UCC)
Stress-Reducing Tips
Summer's coming up fast but there's still a lot to cram into the end of the semester. Whether you're a school staff member, a student, or a parent, there suddenly seems to be an endless amount of things to get done each day. That equals stress, but there are ways to deal with it.
- Planning: Nothing is more stressful than overload - and we're totally into the logjam weeks. Planning out a realistic schedule, complete with plenty of breaks, will make your days easier to navigate.
- Sleep: Be sure to get those six to eight hours and try to go to bed around the same time every night. Don't take schoolwork to bed with you. Instead, unwind a little before lying down and then give your brain the rest it deserves.
- Exercise: Walking, jogging, biking, hitting the gym, team sports... whatever works best for you. And mini-breaks for stretching, short walks around campus will help you relax.
- Self-Soothe: Try: meditation, yoga, relaxation tapes, tai chi, pilates. Treat yourself to a massage!
- Breathing: A break of 3-to-5 minutes to sit down and breathe deeply can work wonders. Try it.
- Diet: It's a torrid time so you're going to need good fuel. Get your fruit and veggies and dodge the junk food. And fish, with its omega-3, is great for the brain.
- Use Your Head: Focus on positives, reassure yourself ("I can only do my best," "This will get done"), give yourself permission to stop thinking about school or other responsibilities at given times each day, and even feel free to "zone out" now and then.
- Music: Soothing music has been shown to lower tension, so load some easy listening into your iPod and take music breaks.
- Laughter: Laughter releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones. Put the action flicks on hold and break out the comedies 'til the school year is done.