For some reason, UT Austin decided not to start classes until January 22nd, which is about a week later than most other colleges are starting back up again. I mean, I'm not really complaining, but I have found myself getting a little bored of not being stimulated by new information (sorry if that sounds super nerdy, my bad). But, I know when school does start up again, I'm gonna get really stressed. For example, a trip to the University CO-OP always stresses me out when it's at the beginning of the semester, I guess because I'm witnessing the bits of stress that radiate off of other students as they too begin this new semester. However, I am a firm believer that certain relaxation methods can help students relax and be more at ease into the semester. Here are my personal top five methods of semester relaxation.

1. Breathe.

This sounds so arbitrary, but really, breathing is such an effective method to start or go through your day. A breathing technique that my mom showed me that I also really like is inhaling until you can't breathe anymore through your nose, holding that breath for 10 seconds, really noting the motion of your heartbeat, and then exhaling all of that breath through your mouth. I'd usually keep this going for about 5-10 minutes, and it really helps me focus on my own self (#Mindfulness), and allows me to keep my anxiety to a minimum. Usually when I do this technique, I like to listen to music described as chillwave (check out the groups Washed Out, Instupendo, and Neon Indian), which can be anywhere, really. My favorite is walking around west campus onto campus, just because there is so much space to walk around and practice my breathing.

2. Write everything down.

Okay, so this actually has two meanings: writing everything down for your classes and writing everything down in terms of your thoughts and feelings for the day. When writing things down for school, I am a certified girly girl who likes to make sure her planner has some cute design, and you can do the same! Just pick out a planner that you really like and start filling in your class stuff and other important things that help you plan out your days (preferably color-coded just because it helps your brain focus and also makes you less confused). When talking about writing everything down in terms of your feelings and emotions, you can go about this in many different ways, including buying a notebook/journal where you can write down your thoughts, or just typing away your own feelings (personally, I like the second option more, i.e. The Odyssey Online). I've just found that getting my thoughts out really clears up my mind and lets me get back on track with what is going on at the moment.

3. Talk to your family as often as you need to.

This one might be a little biased, just because I am a person who needs to talk to at least one person every day, and Io love my family, so it works out. But it can really be anyone. I know some of you are probably more on the introverted side and would rather steer clear of most conversations, but I think that even talking to one person can make a difference in your anxieties. But I would also count pets or animals as talking to someone because it really does feel like they're listening sometimes. Interaction is always nice!

4. Take naps.

I remember in my introductory psychology class I took last semester, another psychology professor who was studying the benefits of naps in college students said that optimum time for taking naps was about 5-20 minutes. He said that naps actually help the brain recharge, leaving us feeling (for the most part) more refreshed than before. I know some of us like to take naps for longer (myself included), but maybe you can try to set a phone alarm to this time. If that doesn't work, try investing in a digital alarm clock, and make sure that the alarm goes off to a loud-ish sound that you have to manually get up to turn off. If you haven't been on the napping bandwagon and have managed to get by college, I am in awe of your power.

5. Color!

I love love LOVE coloring books. I remember at the beginning of last year, I bought myself a 50 pack of colored pencils and a coloring book (but this coloring book is too intricate for me, and I'm a person who is very simple and enjoys simple designs to color). Sometimes when I'm not really doing anything, I like to sit down on my bed and color. Coloring helps me focus all of my attention to the pictures and making sure I don't color outside the lines (I hope I'm making my kindergarten teacher proud). But honestly, all you really need is a way to get images to color, and coloring utensils. I think drawing works too though, but I think those should be done in color too, because color really stimulates the brain more than traditional black ink does.

I know everyone has their own methods of coping the semester, but I just wanted to pitch in my two cents. I really hope this helps some of you. Happy new semester!