With midterm exams and project deadlines approaching, you may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Don’t worry, you are not alone! I’m sure you’ve heard the “get lots of sleep and eat well” speech when it comes to shrinking stress and being successful.
By far, my favorite mechanism for reducing stress and anxiety is through journaling. I make it a point to write for a few minutes each day, stream-of-conscious style, every thought that comes into my head. Also, this is a good way to practice mindfulness; acknowledging thoughts without dwelling on them.
The benefits of keeping a journal accumulate. For example, it will make you feel more relaxed as if you just did yoga.
Speaking of, physical activity is my next strategy for aiding with stress. You don’t have to have a gym membership to be active. I love to discover new parks and hike unfamiliar paths. Being outside, in general, is a great way to slow down and breathe.
However, it is fall, and the air is getting chillier. There are many guided workout videos on YouTube for different durations of time and various levels of expertise. Taking care of your physical health translates into mental health too. Along with the sense of accomplishment, according to the American Psychological Association exercise releases dopamine and endorphins which can boost your mood and reduce depression, stress, and anxiety.
Perhaps you’re not looking for something too exerting. In that case, I recommend yoga. Or even just stretching and focusing on taking deep breaths. You’d be surprised how much consistent deep breathing helps with stress.
Lastly, one of my favorite ways to destress is by listening to music. If you’re taking a study break, instead of scrolling on social media, listen to music that makes you feel good. In fact, in a 2020 study, Harvard Health found that “Active musical engagement, including those over age 50, was associated with higher rates of happiness and good cognitive function.”
While I’m still an advocate for getting lots of sleep and eating healthy, there are many more effective and creative methods for dealing with stress and anxiety. Don’t forget, Sinclair offers free, 24/7 counseling services to students.
Macey Heys
Reporter