Every college student goes through everyday annoyances, from locking themselves out of their rooms, to going to bed super late the night before an 8 a.m. exam. Students also go through the often rare, but in my case, not-so-rare, fire alarms. No big deal right? That is until your dorm is flooded and you have damp possessions. However, ALL students go through midterms, and midterms are a pain in the "you know what." Why? Because midterms are in the middle of the semester right? Well does it seem fair to test us on a class that we only "halfway" understand? Okay, okay this is just me complaining about test taking, because we will always have midterms… But the stress that comes from midterms or any other little annoyances that you experience on a daily, or weekly basis, could be eliminated, and I am here to help show you some ways you can relieve stress.
1. Buy chocolate
Did you know that chocolate has the ability to increase your mood because of the increasing levels of serotonin and endorphins that enter your body when you eat it? Well grab some chocolate and sit and wallow for a minute and then realize that YOU CAN DO IT! Because you do not want to end up like I did one night. I was stressed out to the point that I have an “I need chocolate position.”
2. Take a break!
Did you know you should take an approximately 10-minute break after every hour you are productive? And after two hours of being productive you should take a 30-minute break? WELL YOU SHOULD! Your brain cannot function after five hours of cramming six different courses of material into it. You know how when you are running you get to a point where you cannot run anymore because you are too tired? This is a point of exhaustion. Sometimes when studying it is so difficult when your brain gets to this point of exhaustion, that trying to resume studying is impossible. Multiple breaks during a study session surely will help reduce your stress and take your mind off of your exams…which I know for myself will instantly make me 10 times happier.
When you reach this point…you definitely need a break
3. Breathe
Make sure you relax your body. When people get too stressed they can lock up and hyperventilate. This is just putting more stress on your body. Maybe try some meditation during a week with high stress.
4. Look at funny animal pictures
Cute animals always help cheer me up. Just looking at those puppies when they first learn to walk, or when you watch cats trying to run on slippery floors. Take about five minutes to look at animal videos and you will become instantly happier. Or look at cute boys, boys work too.
5. Work out
Working out also increases endorphins in your body and will help you alleviate stress and anxiety. Make sure you take a 30-minute-to-an-hour break when you are stressed to "run it out."
6. Organize/make lists
Yes, I am type A, however, being organized will greatly decrease your level of stress. If you are super anal like me, and make schedules of what you are going to do at each hour of the day, then do it. But even writing a to-do list will help with your stress levels. Make sure you know what you have to do on a day-to-day basis so you are not adding unnecessary time to your already hectic schedule.
7. Start your work early
If you stay on top of your work, you will be better off. Getting behind on homework, or studying will make your stress pile up and make everything worse.
8.Drink tea
You know when your mom tells you to drink tea when you are sick? Well tea is a good calming mechanism. Chamomile tea is a tea that will help you relax. I drink this when I have a hard time sleeping.
9.Go off campus
Going off campus always helps. Sometimes I feel as if I am living in a bubble. Getting away from school and the same buildings that you see every day can help give your body the mental break that it needs!
10. Call your family
My family always knows how to cheer me up. Just talking to someone from home can help calm you down in stressful situations. Remember if homesickness is the cause of your stress, it is okay to feel homesick. Missing your parents, or your bed is not a bad thing.
11. Hang out with friends
My friends always know how to make me laugh! If you are very stressed out and need a good laugh, call your friends to hang out for a little! If your friends can’t make you laugh…you might want to find some new friends. But regardless, laughing it out for a little is always a good stress reliever.
Keep this in mind for your midterm week, or any week you are feeling extremely stressed out. Everything will work out, I promise. Those little annoyances will go away, and you will be happier once the week ends... Trust me!
