August came and went and September is officially here. Professors are comfortable enough to start crowding us with what feels like tons of work, our bodies are starting to feel heavy and slow, and everything is piling up on us. Between work, commute, parking, the crazy heat that won’t ease up, and studies, stress comes creeping by as if it was the Cookie Monster and we were the cookie. However, it’s not that hard to knock ourselves out of the almost-midterm- stress. Here are some simple yet effective ways to fight back stress:
1. Prepare for next morning on the night before.
2. Wear fresh clothes.
3. Say “no” more often.
4. Prioritize.
5. Avoid negative people.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
7. Break large tasks into bite sized portions.
8. Anticipate your needs and take care of them.
9. Unclutter and do some always useful spring cleaning (even if it’s almost fall).
10. Be prepared for rain.
11. Schedule some down time every day.
12. Say “hello” to a stranger—don’t shut yourself in.
13. Look up at the stars.
14. Believe in yourself.
15. Practice breathing slowly. Count to five as you inhale, and exhale to the count of five as well. The slower the breath, the deeper the relaxation.
16. Stop saying or thinking that tomorrow will be a better day—make the best out of TODAY.
17. Do it today.
18. Stretch your limits a little each day.
19. Exercise every day. Maybe a little jog, some cardio in your room, or even a 20-minute yoga practice can do wonders. Exercise releases endorphins! There are excellent YouTube videos on yoga classes, pilates, etc.
20. Take a stretch.
21. Drink a cup of tea with a little bit of honey.
22. Strive for excellence, NOT perfection.
23. Remember you always have options.
Remember that stress is only an attitude and, like every other thing, it’s temporary. Experiment and find the key methods to help yourself so that you can be happier and healthier, do better professionally and academically, and live a fuller life.