It’s that time again. The fall semester is heavily underway. Papers are due and exams are coming. And to be completely truthful, you’re stressed already and we haven’t even begun talking about midterms! Being stressed, although totally unpleasant and unhealthy, is a part of the college experience. The question is what are some effective, easy, and inexpensive ways to relieve stress? Start by moving back to the time when you ran around until the streetlights came on. A great way to relieve stress easily is to channel your inner kid again by following this advice:
1. Grab a coloring book and some crayons. Coloring not only provides you with a pretty picture at the end of your relaxation time, but by focusing on coloring and trying to stay within the lines you take your mind off of that looming three-page paper that you can’t seem to sit down and write.
2. Have a “Happy” song.. Whether it’s something as simple as “If you’re Happy and You Know It” or something as radical as “Living in the Sunlight” by Tiny Tim. If you don’t have a Happy song, go find one immediately…. Brighter music equals brighter emotions.
3. Go outside and play. Play jump rope. Blow bubbles. Get some chalk and draw on the Yard, play dodge ball in the Valley or start a massive game of tag. If you’re stuck inside because of the weather, play hide and go seek on your floor, or invest in some board games.
4. Go to the zoo. Take some friends and go see the animals. It’s free!
5. Go to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park !
6. Go to the movies. There are so many great movies out right now. Go see one!
7. Get lost. Take a couple of friends,get on the metro and get off at a random stop. Explore somewhere you’ve never been before and you might find something extremely interesting.
8. Get the makings for a picnic, find a pretty spot, and relax.
9. Make a playlist entitled “relax music” on your iPod and listen to it on your bed.
10. Take a nap.