Don't stress.
Those two words are enough to drive you mad. When people tell me this, I just go about my day, stressing even more. As a junior in a conservatory program (I am sure all college students feel this way) the work simply never ends.
Music students are like medical students. Wait... WHAT? But, music students just go around singing or playing their instruments all day. Nope, FALSE. The research and practice never ends, and it can be easy to dip into your perfectionist attitude enough to drive you into oblivion. I, myself, am a perfectionist and a queen at both procrastination and stressing.
I have a few tips and tricks that are easier than you may think to add to your daily routine.
If I have learned one thing throughout my first two and a half years, it is that you have to use your college years wisely and actually enjoy them.
First semester freshman year you wondered how you would make it through your seminar or, for music students, your solfege class. Guess what? Somehow you did it. How can you do it better and more efficiently? You know, without your hair falling out of your head or staying up all night stressing out about the next day’s workload. Here are some steps to de-stress.
1. Use Your School’s Wellness Center
Every school has some kind of wellness center specifically with a psychologist or psychiatrist available or both. It can be scary and even disheartening to think that you “need help.” I like to think of it as just another resource to help me become my fullest self. Every resource you make use of is also something to check off of that “unknown resource” list. If this doesn’t work for you, at least you have tried it and can venture on to other possible options. At least give it a shot. There is nothing wrong with getting an outside perspective.
2. Try Meditation Apps
The nurse practitioner at my school recommended several meditation apps. I personally never truly believed in them until I tried one in particular–Calm. This brand has both a website and app, so you can never make the excuse of missing a day. Each session is roughly 12 minutes long. They even have adult bedtime stories that make me feel like a swaddled baby when I go to bed at night.
3. Give Yourself A Break–Get A Massage
Massages can be a pricier option, but they give you such relief. If you don’t feel like paying the $80-$200+ fee, check out local massage schools. These schools often host clinics for their students to practice recently learned techniques and the prices are much lower. The one I have attended in Boston has $30 hourly massages.
4. Head To A Chiropractor
Your tension is probably manifesting itself somewhere. Do not let it build. Be proactive. Chiropractic appointments are often short and sweet, making it perfect for a busy college student or an on-the-go professional. You will feel like you have been given a new body after attending.
5. Be Open With Your Support System – Friends, Family, and Teachers
Often times, those closest to you know you better than you do and can help you work through struggles and situations that you have tied yourself into knots over. Don’t hold it all in.
6. Work on your Attitude
It will take time and a whole lot of effort, but most times your stress is simply worsened by your own negative self-talk. Find ways to turn those negative comments into positive ones, and even though it may seem silly, try speaking them out loud. Get rid of the “I am going to fail this test” and replace it with “I am going to do the best I can with this test. I studied and know the topic really well.” Even if you have doubts, make yourself believe your words and say them to yourself convincingly. Especially before bed when you are rushing to check what has happened on social media and are worried about the 104903 things you have to do, allow yourself to think positively. Take each day one step at a time. This can be hard, I know it is for me, but it can really make a difference.
7. Give Yourself A Moment
Allow yourself to take at least three meaningful deep breaths. Whether you close your eyes to think about what you are going to say, or write during your interview or exam, or use it to clear your mind and rest, take the time for yourself. Like #6, speak positively to and about yourself.
8. Strike A Pose
Recent research from Harvard University has found that striking a “power pose” for two minutes before an interview can actually "change body chemistry and make people feel more confident” (Robinson). I have started taking up this body language hack before auditions or other high stakes situations and highly recommend it. You have two minutes in your schedule. Make it happen.
For more information on power poses, check out the link at the bottom of this article.
9. Exercise
I know you know, but seriously. Everyone with a busy schedule lets this go and it is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Think of it as actually shedding off so many of those frustrated, stressful thoughts and replace them with endorphins and a healthier you.
10. Smile
Smile, even when you don’t want to. Smiling, whether you truly mean it or not, releases endorphins and decreases the release of Cortisol–making you feel that extra little bit better.
11. Pet your pet
Research has shown that petting your cat or dog, or any other pet, also releases endorphins. Even being in a room with them and looking at them can help control your stress levels.
Easier than you thought, isn't it?
man running in forestPhoto by 
