With looming projects, build up of homework and finals quickly approaching, it’s easy to get bogged down in all the stress and struggles of college. Work compounds stress and stress compounds work, leading into an endless spiral of anxiety. But the best way to really be productive through all the chaos is to first tackle the stress problem. Here are a few helpful tips for doing just that:
1.) Take a walk
Go take a walk in nature, or the closest you can get, like a park, for a bit. Any form of exercise increases endorphins, but if you’re solely looking to take a break, walking will suffice. Also, there’s just something about being outside that instantly brings your stress down a level. Maybe it’s the natural light or fresh air. Also — leave your electronics behind. You’d be surprised about all the things you can get done in the span of a five-minute walk with just a cell phone: which is exactly what you’ll be telling yourself if you bring it with you.2.) Catch up on that show you’ve been missing
I noticed throughout the beginning of this semester I knew everything going on in "Breaking Bad," yet I had seen maybe two episodes of the entire series. It’s no shock that this was because literally everyone I knew was talking about it. While it may be too late for me and "Breaking Bad" to have an actual amazing television experience, your next study break may be the opportune moment to catch up on that show you’ve been putting off before it’s too late. Take an hour or two to get sucked into another world and forget about the one you’re currently freaking out in.3.) Get coffee with a friend
There comes a time in every study marathon where it suddenly occurs to you that you haven’t really had any viable human contact for a few days (or weeks). That’s usually followed by the realization you haven’t changed your clothes or showered in a while. Call up a friend you haven’t seen in a while and spend some time catching up. Preferably, try to keep them the focus of the conversation. Complaining about everything you have to do right now won’t help at all.4.) Make a snack
And try to make it healthy. Sometimes stress arrives just when our fuel levels are down and you know how hard it is to concentrate when you’re hungry. And it should be something more than coffee. It can only do so much before you crash.5.) Re-evaluate
Sometimes, we bring stress on ourselves. There’s a big difference between being well rounded and overreaching. Take some time when you’re crazy stressed out to weed out some of the smaller tasks in your life so you can focus on what’s important. Maybe it means you don’t do every single extra credit assignment offered when you’re doing decent in a class so you can focus more on an important paper for another class. Remember, you can either do a few things very well or many things poorly.
Reach the reporter at mefinley@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @mollyEfinley
Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.
