The College Student's Guide To The Successful Scaling Of Mt. Stress
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The College Student's Guide To The Successful Scaling Of Mt. Stress

Mt. Stress can be a challenge for even the most seasoned climbers.

154
The College Student's Guide To The Successful Scaling Of Mt. Stress
Android Wallpaper

The thought of two more weeks until Thanksgiving break is functioning as the sole gasoline keeping students going and the thing that is dragging them along.

It is the period of the semester that everyone is becoming increasingly stressed, unmotivated, overworked, burnt out and just ready to go home. It is the time when teachers think that they are the only class that you will have any work for.

It is the ever-joyous time of working with others on group projects that will make or break your grade. It's the season of writer's block, brain farts, lack of ability to form sentences or just talk, nevermind trying to write a paper.

All of it mixed together with tears, lack of sleep and just pure non-stop work forms a whole heaping mess of unnecessary stress. When you need a break, here are 11 things that might help you take your mind off of that ridiculous mess looming in the corner.

1. Put the work away

Take a few minutes for yourself. Not yourself with your work in front of you, but yourself with your laptop closed, notebooks put away, flashcards in the drawer. Remove yourself from what is stressing yourself out, even if it's just for a few minutes. Not only does it work as something to do by itself, but it's also important to do for the next stress relievers.

2. Breathe

As a nursing major, as soon as I finish one assignment, it is immediately time to start the next whether it is studying, writing a paper or starting a study guide for a test two weeks from now that has to get done now otherwise it never will. An important lesson that I have learned is to allow myself to have a break amidst the chaos. Breathing is an important step in taking a break. It calms you down and lets you look at things with a more clear mind.

3. Watch something

Watch a few episodes of your favorite show on Netflix. There is nothing wrong with taking a few minutes for yourself to get in a few laughs or to catch up on a show that you missed. Just be careful not to watch the full series. Taking time for yourself in between assignments or just as a break is not procrastination, it's a break.

4. Listen to music

Nothing puts me in a better mood than putting on a good jam. Whether it is an oldie, but a goodie, a sad song, a jam, Jesus music ... whatever puts you in a better mood, blast it!

5. Go to the gym

As much as the walk across campus is a pain, you will feel so much better after running on a treadmill, biking a few miles or doing some yoga. Watch the TV show that you would normally watch back in your room or put on those jam tunes and kill it. Go endorphins!

6. Talk to a friend

Sometimes just talking to someone about what you're stressed about helps you to feel better. Oftentimes, when I talk to someone about all that I have to get done during the week, I feel a million times better. Through talking things out, I separate the emotions that make it seem like I have a million things to do, from what I really have to do, when I really only have 20 tasks. Also, your friend might be in the same boat as you, so you know that you're not alone.

7. Call home

FaceTime or call home to talk to your family. Anytime I call home, I know that my brother and sister will be there to make me laugh. Also, there is nothing that makes someone feel better than a good laugh.

8. Pray

"Turn your worries into prayers." Phil. 4:6

Even when you don't have the words, God knows how you feel. Send your stress, worries, sadness — whatever emotion you're feeling — to Him.

9. Play a game

The other day while I was struggling to write a philosophy paper, I took a break and played Candy Crush for 15 minutes on my phone. It was just long enough to clear my head so that I could focus on what I had to get done. Play something on your phone or find a game that you can play with friends.

10. Read a book

Have a book that you've wanted to start or one that you've read a million times, but is always your go-to? Read a chapter or two (or three if you're like me and then can't put it down). Being transferred to another place or into a story will take your mind right off of what you're stressed over.

11. Sleep

Do not underestimate the amazingness of the power nap. They call it a "power" nap for a reason.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55826
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35986
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957978
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187043
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments