If college had it’s own commercial like the terrible prescription drug ads that take place on the beach, it might include stress in its list of undesirable side effects. As much as a stressful time as it is, college is also a super exciting and fun time too, and it’s important to know how to manage stress in order to succeed and have a great time doing it. It’s a difficult skill to acquire and I have definitely only recently been implementing new routines and incorporating different practices into my daily schedule in order to ease an anxieties I have about a particular essay or exam that is weighing heavily on my shoulders. Here are a few ways that help me feel more peaceful and ready to tackle on any obstacles that I face:
1. Learn how to utilize essential oils. You might be wondering, “What are essential oils and how could they help me manage my stress??” Essential oils are fragrances that are extracted from plants or other sources. They are derived through a process of distillation. If the oil is called frankincense it means that it is entirely frankincense, and has no additives or artificial perfumes in it. Some of the best essential oils for stress are lavender, bergamot, chamomile, and orange. They can be applied topically to the wrists, neck, or bottoms of the feet or they can be inhaled. All oils have properties that can give a sense of calmness and relaxation.
2. Drink some tea. Sitting down with a hot cup of tea is one of my favorite things to do, especially as it starts to get super cold in Rochester. Naturally decaffeinated black and green tea, herbal teas, chamomile, and lavender teas all claim to have soothing effects. A few of my favorites are Stress Relief by Yogi Teas and Sleepytime by Celestial Seasonings. New to tea drinking? Check out Meg Grant’s blog on tea!
3. Get movin’! Exercise is an awesome way to reduce stress and release endorphins! If going to the gym isn’t your thing, a study was done on people who walked outside everyday, and they reported having a more subjective perspective on stress. Yoga is another way to escape your stressors and better learn how to cope with them. Naz offers a wide variety of exercise classes that are really easy to take advantage of regardless of your fitness or experience level; the website is here.
4. Listen to some good tunes. To cut cortisol levels by 66%, make a mellow play list and listen to it when you’re stressed out! Music has a calming effect on the brain, especially when you’re dealing with a major stressor. Try listening to Iron and Wine, Bon Iver, or Sigur Ros before bedtime and it just might help you wind down! Need an extracurricular to get involved in? You can host your own radio show at Naz’s own radio station WNAZ The Pulse!
5. Stay organized! Staying on top of your game is pretty crucial in college. If you keep up with all of your work, your life will be a lot easier and you will avoid the stresses of last minute projects and essays! All those essays getting you stressed out? Naz’s writing center is here to save the day! Check out all the awesome services they offer here.
