It’s Time To De-Stress
Don’t look now, folks.
It’s that time of year.
Finals are creeping up, end-of-year projects are starting to feel more real by the minute, and every little bump in the road can seem overwhelming to say the least. If you’re like me, stress can come from anywhere, especially in the final month of a busy semester.
That’s why it’s so important to find ways to deal with the stress – to turn it into fuel that propels you forward instead of a hindrance or a roadblock.
There’s no one perfect way to feel less overwhelmed, no magic solution that’ll make everything go away. However, there are things you can do and tricks you can utilize to make the next month as productive and rewarding as possible.
Visit the Counseling Center
The Syracuse University Counseling Center is one of the most widely regarded and universally praised entities on campus. The Center has a wide range of services, from drop-in hours (10-4 on Monday through Friday) to group therapy (for those who feel more comfortable in a gathering of people), and a whole smattering in between.
It’s free for students to utilize these services, so give the website a check. Here’s the link:
http://counselingcenter.syr.edu
Take time for yourself
Amidst the seemingly endless avalanche of schoolwork, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time to relax. The solution is simple:
Make time to relax.
It’s a lot easier said than done (believe me, I know), but it’s also crucial to staying sane during the end of the semester. It’s important to work hard and stay on top of your studies, but give yourself a break to do something you enjoy every now and again.
One of my tried-and-true ways to do that? Break up every hour or so of doing schoolwork with a 20-minute episode of your favorite comedy on Netflix (I usually do either The Office or Arrested Development).
Lean on your loved ones
Don’t pester them constantly, but try to remember that there are people who love and care about you. Whether it’s a family member, a significant other, or a good friend, find somebody you can confide in, somebody that will listen to you without judgement.
Sometimes getting it off your chest is just what the doctor ordered.
Get some sleep
Again, easier said than done, but sleep is essential to keep you focused and alert. Sometimes, you need to just put the books away and hit the hay early. If you don’t get enough sleep, your schoolwork will suffer anyway, so it might be best to sacrifice that last hour of studying for a better night’s sleep.
Exercise
Studies have shown that exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and develop a more positive outlook on life. Aside from being a way to stay in shape, exercise clears your mind and releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which helps to improve your mood.
Just remember:
Are you ready for this? One thing I’ve learned whenever something’s going wrong?
“This too shall pass.”
No matter how much work you have to do, how many words you have to write before deadline, how little sleep you’ve had and how much you’re running on coffee and fumes, it too shall pass. The semester will be over in under a month and you’ll be able to recharge and refuel.
It’s essential to keep these thoughts in mind as we approach crunch time. I hope you’re able to find some solace in the knowledge that all people get stressed and yet they too make it through.
