5 Ways To Reduce Stress during Midterm Week

These are five simple ways that I have learned through experience that help me reduce stress.

1. Get plenty of rest!!!

• You have probably heard this time and time again, but it is true! Without adequate sleep, we become walking, grumpy zombies!!!

• If you are like me, you probably lay down at night, and cannot get your mind to stop. I take 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before I go to bed. It helps me get a better night's sleep, and feel well-rested for classes.

• Put away all electronics at least 1 hr before you go to bed!! This includes laptops, cell phones, Ipads etc. I have found that when I go to bed texting, I am more likely to wake up periodically throughout the night and read and respond to texts resulting in a not-so-great night of sleep.

2. Exercise!! Exercise!! Exercise!!!

•  Just 30 minutes of physical activity per day!!! This can be hard to do with a busy schedule. Start taking the steps instead of the elevator, park your car farther away from your destination or take quick walks on 10 minute breaks during class.

• Physical activity releases endorphins in our brain which are our happy chemicals, that make us feel good.

• I like to sign up for 5k runs every other week. This helps me to stay motivated, and helps me to stay in shape at the same time.

3.  Avoid People That Stress You Out!

• After taking a huge stressful test, avoid that group of classmates who always discuss the test in detail right after they get done taking it. This adds extra, unavoidable stress to your already heavy load. Try taking a walk or talking to a best friend (who is outside your major) on the phone for awhile.

• If there is a stressful conversation that is going on around you, just GET UP AND WALK AWAY. Your health is worth more than an unecessary, stressful conversation.

• Choose your friends carefully!!! There are people that are lurking around every corner wanting to lure you into "their group". Stand firm!

4. Find Time for Yourself!

• This is an important one in college! We all love to hang out with friends as much as possible, but we need time for ourselves.

• I like to go kayaking. Simply going on a run, taking a little car ride, reading a book, journeling or simply laying flat on your back listening to music.

• Meditate. Make time for God. Your spiritual well-being is extremely important.

5. Do Something for Others

• Somtimes the best thing we can do during stressful times, is think of someone besides ourself.

• Write an encouraging note to a friend

• Visit a nursing home, or an elderly neighbor. The stories that they can tell you, are both encouraging and inspiring.

• Help a friend or family member with chores that they have to do.