It’s as simple as this: Binghamton students are stressed this time of year. Between spending half the day in Bartle library, creating a social life by joining various clubs, and thinking about our futures, we have no time to ourselves. By integrating these simple modifications into your daily schedule, you can increase your happiness and lower your stress level.
5 Minutes of Yoga a Day
Do yourself a favor and try waking up five minutes earlier. Go into your common room, and try a few easy yoga poses. Downward facing dog, tree pose and foreward lunge are a few of my favorites. They are easy to master, and after a few weeks of practice you will feel yourself becoming more flexible. Try to end with a minute of silent meditation. Clear your mind and think about nothing.
Go to the Gym 2-3 Times a Week for At Least 30 Minutes
In the bitter Binghamton cold, it’s easy to fall out of shape. Push yourself to get to the gym a few times a week. Staying in shape, not to mention healthy is the easiest way to beat colds. Bring a “gym buddy,” to keep you motivated. Right now, you can work out in the union or get a $100 year membership to FitSpace! Don’t like the gym? Grab some friends and take a walk around campus after class.
Put Down Your Cell Phone
Try adopting this philosophy. Gym time is you time. By having your cell phone next to you, you are more focused on who is texting you next rather pushing an extra five minutes on the eliptical.
Get It On Paper
Have something that’s been bugging you all day long? Take just five minutes from your busy schedule and write it all down, every word. You will find that whatever is bothering you, won’t so much anymore. Getting your feelings down on paper helps to release your inner stress.
Put Your Head Down for Just Ten Minutes
Okay, we’ve all been there, you’re sitting in Bartle for two hours and have only read two pages of the 150 you need for tomorrow morning. Put your ipod on, your head down and for ten minutes don’t think about it. Think about anything else in the world, a shopping trip, your friends, your boyfriend whatever you want, just don’t think about the work. This helps to clear your mind, so when time is up, you can focus.