Now that the fall semester is upon us, the looming deadlines are sure to begin taking a toll on our mental sanity. Three pages of homework, a quiz, and a test worth 20 percent of your grade all due next week – and that’s only your math class. Never fear! Jacqueline the Stress Reducer is here!
1.Keep all assignment due dates in one place
I keep all due dates for all of my classes in an excel spreadsheet separated by month. I find it easier to only have to go to one place to check for assignments, instead of having to flip between five syllabuses. Since all of your assignments for a day are shown, you can relax knowing that page 352 is done for tomorrow’s Sociology lecture.
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2.Take a group exercise class with friends
I suggest group exercise classes as opposed to working out alone. They’re really fun, especially with friends. There’s Zumba, yoga, and UH even has a night club cardio class. Check out the Rec Center to get a group fitness schedule.
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3.Don’t overload yourself
Stress usually arises from people taking on more than what they can handle. If you’re the president of the student government and the captain of the intramural basketball team and work 20+ hours per week and take 18 hours, you either have amazing time management or you are mentally and/or physically drained at the end of each day. For most, including me, it would be the latter. Adjust your schedule to fit your needs. If you want to focus more on school, then try reducing your hours or taking a less demanding role in organizations.
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4.Listen to music
Listening to music is a good de-stressor. Have a five-minute dance party break in between study sessions and remind yourself that you got this, girl! I have a playlist called “Awesomesauce”, and I listen to it whenever I’m feeling myself or when I should be feeling myself.
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5.Get a massage
No, I am not suggesting you pay $60+ for a massage. We’re college students (and have reduced funds) so use the app, Groupon, to get major discounts on one. I bought a bundle that includes three one-hour full-body massages for only $100 – that’s less than $35/massage. If you don’t want to pay for multiple massages, there are sold by singles as well. Massages are very relaxing and I highly recommend them for anyone that wants some R&R.
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