It’s that time again! It seems that teachers thrive on cramming as much work as possible into the last few weeks of the semester and revel in watching their students struggle to stay afloat. Finals, papers, projects and due dates generously sprinkle the April calendar.
But don’t worry, because Her Campus has got your back. Our collegiettes will remain calm, cool and collected during this stressful time by using these stress relief techniques.
1. Plan it out!
Prepare yourself and get organized using a daily planner. Keeping a schedule annihilates the overwhelming stress chronic procrastinators experience. Planning school, work and fun times helps you keep your peace of mind during the end-of-semester scramble.
Here’s how to successfully plan your last few weeks of the semester:
-First, write down everything due in the coming weeks and their prospective due dates on a sheet.
-Next, input your prior commitments, like work and other obligations, into your daily planner.
-Last, plan the times and days you will work on each of the school projects you wrote on the sheet of paper.
This technique gives you a clear view of the upcoming month and is an excellent time management technique. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself too. Here’s what my planner looks like. On the left is where I wrote down my projects. On the right is how I planned my Sunday.
Notice I planned time for school work, obligations and a little “me” time for the gym. Try to keep your day balanced so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
2. Tune out stress with music.
According to Psych Central, music is scientifically proven to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Listening to music improves your mood and can up your confidence. So crank up your favorite tunes and sing (or scream) along!
Some of my motivational favorites are:
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“The World’s Greatest” by R. Kelly
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
3. Get a move on with exercise
Going for a quick jog, spending 30 minutes on an elliptical or playing a sport have so many health benefits! Exercise is biology’s natural anti-depressant and mood improver. This is because exercise releases feel-good neurotransmittors called endorphins, says the Mayo Clinic. Heart-pumping activity also has other benefits, like boosting confidence and improving concentration.
With so many stress-busting benefits from exercises, you’ve gotta visit the USF Rec Center, which was renovated a couple years ago. It has tons of opportunity for a variety of exercises, including cardio and weight machines, free weights, racquetball courts and an indoor running track. Plus most of the cardio machines come with a personal mini TV!
4. Spend a little time having fun with friends
The Mayo Clinic also suggests spending time with the loved ones who form your social support network because it increases your self-worth and gives you a sense of security. Receiving love and support helps keep stress at bay and increases your confidence.
(Here’s a picture of me taking a break from homework to have some fun with my mom and uncle)
So schedule time with the people that love you. Go out for coffee with your best friend or grab some lunch with your mom. Their love and support will go a long way in helping you stay focused on your schoolwork and long term goals.
Here’s some extra stress-conquering links:
– 20 Simple Stress Relief Techniques
– Techniques, Exercises and Therapies for Relieving Stress
– Mayo Clinic Stress Management
Source: http://my.hsj.org/Schools/News…