Monday, June 1, 2015

Stress-reducing Tips for Students



The end of the quarter and the academic year can be a stressful time. Anxiety has surpassed depression as the number one mental health issue of college students, according to a recent New York Times article. You are not alone, and you are not weak, or a lesser person if you feel stressed.

Here are some tips to help you minimize stress and anxiety and get through the next couple weeks.

  • Time -- organize, schedule and plan your use of time. Write a weekly and daily schedule of tasks to complete and stick to it. Prioritize the items. Do highest priority tasks first. Breakdown larger tasks into smaller bits and tackle them one-by-one.
  • Breaks -- when studying or doing coursework, take regular breaks: go outside, get some fresh air and sunshine, breathe deeply, stretch your muscles, relax your mind.
  • Silence -- you'll be more productive if you work in a quiet place. Holman library has a Silent Study area on the first floor. One the second floor, HL213 and HL217 are silent areas when not in use for a class. Rooms 210, 211, and 212 are group study rooms (first come, first served). Walk around the library to find other shared areas that are quieter than the main area.
  • Exercise -- exercise increases blood flow, lifts your mood, aids sleep and digestion, and is relaxing and energizing. Jog, stretch, do push-ups, whatever you like.
  • Sleep -- skip the all-nighter and get some sleep. Studies show that sleep reinforces learning and helps our mind process and remember the day.
  • Music and humor -- find some relief in your favorite music, watch something funny on YouTube, talk to a funny friend!
  • GRC Counseling and Health Services has lots of resources for students and counselors are available to talk to.
  • Apps -- here's a list of self-help apps. Pick one that resonates with you! Ohmmmm.
  • Connect and share -- Talk about your stress with friends and family or a counselor. Or visit halfofus.org, a site for college students.
  • Perspective -- finally, remember the bigger picture. Look up at the stars, keep sight of your goals, and most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself. Just do your best everyday.
  • Celebrate -- reflect upon and be proud of all you accomplished this academic year, large and small.

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