Starting a new semester can be exciting, yet very overwhelming. At first it starts off slow, and then all of a sudden you have two papers, three exams, and a presentation all falling on the same week. Since I have been there and done that, I realize that it is a stressful time. And during those times, I have found various methods of coping with the stress in my life during the semester. So here are ten different ways to de-stress this semester, so that you can stay sane! 1. Exercise This is probably the most undesirable one to do, but exercise really does help. You know those things called endorphins that fitness junkies are always talking about, well its true, and it does make you feel better. Even if it is just taking your dog out for a walk, a little physical activity can go a long way. 2. Prayer This is something that I find helpful in my life personally. I find that prayer gives me peace of mind in any situation that I'm in. If you have a religion that you personally affiliate yourself with, this may be helpful for you. 3. Sleep If you haven't already, check out my post on how to get a good night's sleep. Because sleep really does affect the way we feel especially in regards to stress levels. The less sleep we get, the more likely we are to feel irritated, sluggish, and less productive, which is not helpful if you know you have a lot of work to do. 4. Do something creative For all of the artists, and non-artists (like myself). This is for you. Now, I would like to think that I'm creative person, and I like doing every DIY project under the sun (check out my DIY pinterest board). You do not have to be an amazing painter, artist, or DIYer to be creative, so let your creative juices flow and forget about everything that needed to be done yesterday. I think that art and other creative processes are a very therapeutic way to cope with stress. 5. Write it out Now this is obviously my most used creative outlet. But there are so many other things that you can do. You can write out all of your thoughts in journals, poems, songs, or even books! And it doesn't have to be published. It may be helpful for you to get out all of your frustrations about your calculus professor on paper. 6. Me Time This is something that I have to legit remind myself to do on a daily basis. And its not always because I'm working, working, working, but I just don't think about taking care of myself as much as I should. And if you're anything like me (hopefully not!) then you need to make time for yourself too. This could be anything that you like to do, the main idea is that it is for you. 7. Read or watch TV This is probably something that I do the most. Honestly, my favorite pastime is reading or watching TV (especially TV). Things like this can really clear your head when you feel like so much as happening at once. Just don't over do it. 8. Slow down Take a breather! by this point you've probably worked yourself to the bone to the point where you can't even think straight. Do some deep breathing or yoga or both. You probably need it right now. 9. Listen to music Another one of my favorites :) Music has a powerful way of making you feel some type of emotion, whether it's energized or relaxed. So here's an idea, make a playlist on Spotify for specific moods that you may be feeling for an extra dose of good vibes when you are feeling overwhelmed. 10. Change your environment Sometimes its just good to get out of the environment that you are in. Change your environment, change your perspective. Take a step back and enjoy the scenery. Stop and smell the roses as they say. By changing your environment it allows you to change your mindset and re-focus on your priorities. I hope that you use the tips that work best for you, and that this post has helped you de-stressed in any way during this semester.
Keep calm and keep moving forward. ~Steph
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I have been a commuter student since I started college. But what are commuter students? (you might ask) Commuter students are those that do not live on campus, but travel to school from their residence. The reason that I am a commuter is partly due to the fact that A) I didn't go to a college with housing as a freshman and sophomore and B) the college that I currently go to is not that far from where I live, so it didn't make sense to have on campus. So whether you drive to school or take the bus, in this post I am going to lay out some essentials for every commuter student. (besides the obvious things like keys, unless you tend to forget those things and the supplies that you will use in class)
1. Headphones Whether you are trying to listen to the latest podcast, or need a little quiet, zen time, this is an essential. 2. Book (preferably one that is fun to read) With all of the readings that professors give us, it's nice to just relax with a good book that you won't be graded on. 3. Water bottle No explanation necessary.. 4. Lunch/money for food Since you are most likely not on a meal plan if you are a commuter, it's good to bring a lunch with you (or some money for food) so that you aren't starving during class. 5. Small notebook (to jot down notes/ideas) I find this helpful especially when I have a random thought that pops in my head and I want to remember it. But this can be used for anything. 6. Extra clothes (for just in case or going to the gym) I always bring extra clothes with me just in case I have some extra time and I want to go to the gym. 7. Umbrella Since I prefer to not get rained on, (it rains pretty infrequently where I live) I always have an umbrella just in case. 8. Emergency cash Again, no explanation necessary. This can really help you when the unexpected happens. (you'll thank me later) 9. Canvas bag/tote I find this helpful in case you need to carry something extra that won't fit in your backpack. 10. Extra snacks Late night study sessions at the library happen, do yourself a favor and pack some extra snacks so that you don't starve. I realize that elements of this list might be different for every student, and that is okay! You should modify this list depending on your commute to school (whether it be by car or public transportation). I typically take public transportation, so these are the items that are useful to me. I hoped that this list helped give you some ideas on what to bring with you if you are a commuter student. If you are a commuter student, let me know some of the essentials that you always carry around with you. |
Hi, I'm StephanieI am an undergraduate psych major who enjoys creative writing, collecting stationery, and watching The Walking Dead.
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