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.
Keriann Greaney, Assistant Copy Chief
¡Bailamos!
Between chapters, I like to close my book, stand up, lift up my shirt and do the "Truffle Shuffle," the dance made popular by Lawrence "Chunk" Cohen in the 1985 movie "The Goonies." I usually do this in the Love Library Reserve Book Room in plain view of other students who are trying to study, hoping that they'll take some delight in seeing a skinny, 21-year-old man comically attempting to shake what little meat he has on his body.
Mike Menninger, Copy Editor
run, don't re-run Nothing is more effective at lowering my stress level than running. Maybe it's the changing scenery that keeps my mind off work and school, or maybe it's the fact that my attention is more focused on the burn in my hamstrings than anything else. Either way, running is a healthy, albeit tiring, way to escape the monotony of your study routine. You can run alone, letting your mind wander in and out of consciousness, or you can run with a partner and chat between breaths about anything other than school. And remember to change it up - running the same route over and over again can become boring.
Jessica Burkard, Assistant Tempo Editor
Control Downtime
Jack Frost isn't the only one nipping at San Diego State students' noses. With Thanksgiving over and Christmas on its way, finals sneak in - and their gift to you is full-blown panic. The stress that comes along with finals is a pain, but there's a sure way to ease your nerves: study proactively. The stress you have about upcoming finals stem from fear that finals will beat us over the head and claim victory, but if we prepare ourselves, we will not need to expect the worst. Spas, walks on the beach, visiting your favorite bar or anything that equals downtime will only mask your anxiety, but taking action to prepare for your finals ahead of time will ease your nerves and build your confidence.
Cyrille Villaflores, Contributing Columnist
running on empty
Shut the books, put down the pen and don't even think about a nap. To rid myself of stress and to clear my head, I go running. As soon as I tie my shoes and turn on my iPod, I'm out the door. Running is better than any caffeine fix. With my blood pumping and endorphins rushing, taking those strides makes me feel on top of my game. I'll run anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour on the street, at the beach or on a treadmill at the gym. It really doesn't matter where because I know the end result will be a calmer, yet more charged-up me who's ready to tackle life - and tomorrow's killer exam. There's nothing like setting your iPod to your favorite playlist and running for relief. Anyone can try this fast-paced activity as a potential stress buster and even find enjoyment in it that carries into a post-workout high. You have nothing to lose - except a few extra calories - and everything to gain.
Tawnee Prazak, Managing Editor
keep on rockin'
My stress reduction secrets: The right music mix is critical, whether you're studying for a final or staying up all night to crank out a term paper. You need to come up with a compilation of tunes to get you in the proper frame of mind. I've got a 50-song "focus mix" for such occasions. It has rock, rap, '80s songs and one-hit wonders - a little bit of everything. Regular songs are OK for writing papers, but for studying I recommend going heavy on instrumentals so you won't get distracted by singing along. It's also important to pace yourself. Take a 15-minute break after every hour. Read a chapter of a novel, work on a Sudoku puzzle or play Minesweeper on the computer. It's a great way to relax for a bit but still your keep brain active and engaged. Finally, remember that all experiences are only as stressful as you allow them to be. Don't put so much pressure on yourself - it's just one test; it's just one class. In the grand scheme of things, they won't make or break you. Work hard, but don't let it consume you.
Michael Erler, Opinion Columnist
get a grip
Relieving stress, much like developing it, is a matter of personal preference. There is a multitude of different stress-relief formulas, all of which seem to work just fine, until the stress re-emerges stronger and with more fervor. There's new age methods of meditation and breathing exercises and there's taking long walks in the woods or laying out by the pool. For me, relieving stress starts with avoiding it all together. Coming to terms with the often-uncontrollable world around us is the best stress relief out there. An understanding of your place within the universe helps to keep a balance that prevents anxieties from building up to the point of a stressful breakdown.
Ben Shore, Opinion Columnist
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