the proper distractions Between taking five classes, prepping for graduation, running the Opinion section of The Daily Aztec and applying to law school, everything about my life spells stress. Despite it all, though, I manage to stay relaxed most of the time. How? I relax my whole environment. I do homework in my room rather than the library because it's home - it's a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere. I keep the television on just for noise so the assignment I'm working on doesn't feel so pressing and serious. Sometimes, I snack as I study and chat with my roommate. It sounds distracting, but that's the idea. With all the noise and all the things to take my eyes away from the computer screen, homework feels less like homework and the stress of it blends into the chatter. Veronica Rollin, Opinion Editor
work it out
Whenever I get stressed out, the best way for me to relieve stress and calm my nerves is by working out. Physical activity releases endorphins, which make you feel happier. Exercising also has been proven to reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem and mental functioning. I work out regularly, five days a week, but during finals week I work out every day. You can easily find time to exercise - even if you have a busy schedule. If you walk on a treadmill or use an elliptical for only 20 to 30 minutes, it will get your mind off studying, and you'll feel energetic and freshly recharged so you can get back to the books.
Amanda Strouse, Assistant Opinion Editor
Keeping track
Unlike some people who have the ability to channel some sort of calming balm to counterstrike the anxiety, stress batters my senses and does a number on my health. The best way to deal with it? A morning workout, a hot shower and taking things one step at a time. After you work out all of your frustrations on an elliptical, make a list of everything you need to do. There's no better feeling in a stressful situation than knowing exactly what you have to do and watching that list dwindle as you cross items off. And taking breaks so as to not get overwhelmed with your workload will have you forgetting what stress is.
Jennifer Halpert, Copy Chief
munchies and re-runs Take a break! Everyone needs some downtime. Relax, eat some cookies-and-cream ice cream and watch a little television - "Friends" re-runs or "Will and Grace" always get me in a laugh-so-hard-I-almost-can't-breathe mood. Don't get me wrong, I love writing essays and working on math homework until I want to pull my hair out, but my fridge starts calling my name and the television looks really friendly when I get overwhelmed with stress.
Natalia Van Stralen, Copy Editor
Just study it
It may sound cliché, but the best way I relieve finals stress is by studying. Unfortunately, there's no way around it - believe me, I've tried. But if you do study for finals, you will find that come test day, you'll have the confidence to take the exam. I also recommend studying at night. When you go to sleep at night, the information from the day is stored into your brain in reverse order. Hence the things you study before bedtime are the first things filed away in long-term memory. So drink some Starbucks, stay up late and reward yourself with a stress-free test.
Colin Lepiscopo, Contributing Columnist
Walk it off
When dealing with stress, sometimes I make a list of everything that I need to do and then plan my day accordingly. It helps when I prioritize the list because then I know what must get done and what I can get away with not doing. I also like to go for a brisk walk to help clear my thoughts because there's something calming about being outdoors. This helps get me away from the situation causing the stress and burns off any calories that I might have obtained while nervously eating because of the stress. When I have angry stress I like to throw rocks into the ocean. But, I do this in a secluded place to avoid hitting small children and surfers.
Camille Clasby, Contributing Columnist
catch a wave Sometimes nature serves as the best medium to relieve stress. The most effective method I've found of relieving stress is surfing, and the reason is simple: When you're out in the ocean, you don't have time to worry about everything else going on in your life because you're more concerned with paddling into the next wave. Surfing is a refreshing way to let go of everything as you plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Pacific. It also provides surfers social opportunities while floating in the line-up. After getting out of the water, you will appreciate not only the great workout for your arms and abs, but also the beauty of America's Finest City and its beaches.
Alex Jones, Tempo Editor
Have a sniff
Going for a run outside or on a walk with your dog is a good stress-reliever. Running allows your body to work harder than your mind for a while, and all of the oxygen and blood circulation is probably pretty good for your brain. If running isn't your speed, I'm sure your four-legged friend would love to accompany you at a slower pace. Plus, if you bring your dog along, he'll want to stop at lots of bushes and trees, which means more clean air for your brain. Stopping to smell the roses - while Fido's sniffing another dog - is a good stress-reliever in itself.
Rene Beight, Copy Editor
Soak it up When stress gets me down, a nice candle-lit bubble bath is just what the doctor ordered. For that short hour when I'm surrounded by warm water, fluffy bubbles, the soothing scent of bath oils and the warm glow of candlelight, none of my problems can reach me. Sometimes I'll even bring a bowl of ice cream on those really tough days. Sure, I'll still have to deal with my research papers and final exams once I dry off, but having a bath is like a mini-vacation, and I'm able to tackle them with a calmer mind.
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