If you’re a fellow STEM major, it might constantly seem like there’s no time for a break. I tend to feel like this and honestly, it’s overwhelming. With such a heavy course load, it’s important to make sure you have time for yourself. Everyone is different so the ways we all cope with stress is not the same, but here are five things that I do to keep my stress levels low.
- Reading a Good Book
While this seems like it might add extra work to your plate, I personally think it gives me a break from difficult classes. After a long day of focusing on STEM related work, I find it soothing to be able to take 30 minutes to myself to read a book about a topic that isn’t related to anything academic. Some of my favorites include “Group” by Christie Tate and “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara. I find that this helps me take a break from academics but keeps my mind stimulated.
- Working Out
I personally am not the most active person but working out can be a great way to help yourself stop thinking about everything that is stressing you out. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, but it also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Your brain releases endorphins to block the nerve cells that receive the pain signals which help you to continue functioning, even in painful or stressful situations. I find that at times when my stress is making me upset or angry, fitting in a quick workout at the gym can help me get those emotions out and recenter myself on my work.
- Crocheting
This is something I recently picked up by watching a few tutorials on YouTube, and its honestly not that difficult to learn. It’s a great way to develop a new skill but also a great way to just turn off your brain for a bit. When I experience a lot of stress, I love turning on my favorite show and crocheting to give me a break from all the things that are on my mind.
- New York Times Games
Whether it’s the Wordle, the Mini Crossword or the Sudoku, I always make sure that I do at least one of them each day. I find these enjoyable because I can take a quick 5-minute break from my work without completely shutting my brain off.
- Google Calendar
Keeping track of a Google Calendar can seem daunting but I love it. I find it helpful to lay out all my classes, extracurriculars, meetings and other obligations so I can see exactly where I have free time. By seeing this breakdown of time, I’m able to make sure I have reserve time to myself each day. I also love Google Calendar because of how aesthetic you can make everything look.
All of this may seem daunting, but it is important to prioritize yourself even when you feel stressed. I have made sure to implement these things into my schedule and I have seen how much my stress levels have lowered. These all may not work for you but starting somewhere to figure out the best ways to destress can lead you on a path of balance between academics and free time.