Being an adult means stress. It’s inevitable, with all the responsibilities of college, jobs, and living without your parents as a sort of safety net. But in all truth, we don’t always take care of ourselves like we should… For those days where you feel like your stress is hitting you all at once, here are some tips to help you through.
Treat yourself to some spa time
Near the CVS behind the Southeast Commons, you’ll find the Hawaiian Nail Bar. Give yourself a couple of hours to enjoy soaking in some hot water, deep breaths, and gorgeous manicures and pedicures at the end! Even better, for being an SMU student, you will receive a 10 percent discount every time!
Get in a workout
If you need to blow off steam, utilize the extensive recreation center we have at SMU: Dedman Center! A workout will get your endorphins pumping, and as we all learned from Elle Woods:
Courtesy of  Lets-go-to-the-movies
For more information on exercise class schedules and ways to use the facility, read How to Use the Dedman Center Like a Pro.
Stop by Starbucks for some black tea
In a study, black tea drinkers were found to have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in their blood after a stressful event! This may be more helpful as a habit to form than a quick fix, but it’s also a wonderful sort of aromatherapy to sit down with a soothing cup of tea! Personally, black tea is still a little bitter for me, so I add Mango or Orange (sometimes both) to my iced tea lemonade drink!
Laughter is still the best medicine
Though it’s not the best fix for a stuffy nose or sore throat, it has a cathartic effect and can help you relieve stress! Try checking out comedians Bo Burnham, Kevin Hart or Iliza Shlesinger on Netflix!
Call your mom and dad… No, really!
Your parents don’t get to hear about all the crazy moments you’re experiencing here at school (and don’t have to know them all!), so a call from you is usually a real treat! Just because you’re not living with your parents doesn’t mean you have to stop talking to them and getting their (surprisingly useful) advice! Even better, you have someone to vent to about all that stress coming at you! A simple call home can brighten your entire outlook on the day and challenges to come, so don’t discount it!
Feature image: Courtesy of Heather Bergdahl