5 Quick Ways to Destress

As college students we are no stranger to stress, especially during midterms and finals week. Throughout the school year we are pummeled with lectures, readings, papers and tests which can be extremely draining and stressful.

But what is stress? “Stress is a normal biological reaction to a potentially dangerous situation” according to Healthline. There are many different different causes for stress. Some examples would be chronic illnesses, life threatening accidents, familial/relationship issues, career or having a work-life balance.

If you are looking for ways to relax and destress, here are five quick suggestions!

1. Get Artsy

- Even if you are not an “artist”, painting can be a wonderful stress reliever. Don’t overthink the process, just put on some music and paint whatever comes to mind. Abstract art is a great way to get emotions out without getting frustrated with your piece not looking how you want.

2. Yoga and Meditation

- Yoga is a great way to de-stress because you are keeping your body active. Yoga is also a great way to meditate and slow down. Play some relaxing music and just move your body. At the end lay down, close your eyes and just let your mind wander for a while.

3. Take a walk

- Taking a walk is another great way to relive stress. Walking through nature with some relaxing music creates the perfect environment to reflect on your day and have some down time with yourself. Exercise is also a proven way to relive stress, so even a quick walk a day can be extremely beneficial.

4. Keep a Journal

- Journaling is a great way to get all your personal thoughts and worries out. Journaling is a mindful way to keep track of your emotions and work through problems on your own. Having a personal space to talk about your day and emotions is much more beneficial than bottling up everything.

5. Have a movie night

- Having a movie night with either yourself or a couple of friends is another great way to destress. It is a way to escape the world for a little bit and take your mind off worries.

If you try any of these recommendations or have suggestions for a future article? Let us know by emailing pacertimes@usca.edu!