Christina VarvisUniversity is stressful as heck, there’s no way around that. However, there are definitely ways to chill out and shake the stress out of your system and recharge your body, mind, and spirit. Don’t use these de-stressing methods as a way to avoid the issues that are burdening you. Instead, use them as a way to prepare yourself to attack and conquer them positively, confidently, and effectively.
1. Take a breather from campus and start walking
When you have the time during the week, take a break from your study space and just go for a walk. If you’re on campus, you can easily stroll along Saskatchewan Drive, through the river valley, or even around the Garneau neighbourhood and explore all the beautiful scenery that is only a stone’s throw away. Walking works wonders no matter how short or long the distance. You’re able to pause your daily grind, escape your repetitive surroundings, and give your body and mind the chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
2. Hide yo phone, hide yo tablet
Even as you’re reading this article, you’re probably scrolling through Instagram or checking your Twitter. Stop it! Stop caring about whether that hot guy with the beard on Snapchat drank a regular latte or a vanilla latte this morning and start caring about yourself. Often enough, social media is a breathing ground for negativity and comparison, and it can lead you to feel even more anxious about the problems you’re facing. By unplugging, you’re allowing your thoughts to stay focused on what is important.
3. Count (and pet) those sheep
Spend more quality time with your beloved couch and take a power nap during the day. Better yet, wind down earlier at night and finally get a real good night’s sleep. Not only does sleep recharge and revive your body, it does the same wonders for your brain as well. If stuck on campus, there are quiet study rooms in the libraries and in SUB that make great nap spots.
4. Chill with your squad
Surround yourself and spend time with positive people who love you, listen to you, believe in you, and make you feel good about yourself. Form a support network that will give you advice and/or pizza (hopefully) and help you feel better about whatever challenges you face, because sometimes, all you really need is just someone to talk to.
5. Exercise your creativity
The options here are endless! For one, volunteering for The Gateway is one of the easiest and most accessible (SUB 3-04) outlets to exercise your creativity. Whether you like writing, taking photos, drawing comics, or talking in front of a camera, The Gateway offers something for everyone and can satisfy pretty much any interest. Plus, it makes for a great way to meet new people. If you’re looking for something to do outside campus, try painting, knitting, cooking or taking a pottery class. Basically, do something that will again, give your mind a break from school and focus on something that is different and fun.
6. Clean!
While not the most fun, cleaning is important, not just for the well being of your house but the well being of your mind. A clear house means a clear mind. Knowing what you have and where it all is significantly decreases your levels of stress. Plus, just the fact that your house smells nice will put you in a better mood.
7. Puppy/kitten/slow loris/baby sloth therapy
If all the above fails, then just watch videos of puppies climbing down stairs, babies laughing, or a slow loris eating a rice ball, and you are guaranteed to feel better, courtesy of YouTube. (Bless YouTube.) However, if UWS is not allowing you to get your therapy online, SUB offers pet therapy sessions over exam week where you can cuddle and play with puppies for hours, which is obviously just the best thing ever.
8. Feel the love from campus
For days when no matter how many puppies you pet, you still feel overwhelmed, don’t forge that there are several services and resources available on campus that offer incredible help. In SUB 2-600, the university’s Counselling and Clinical Services provide free drop-in workshops, therapy groups, and access to the Peer Support Centre, the Chaplains Association and so many other resources. There is no reason whatsoever why you should ever have to deal with overwhelming issues and anxiety on your own. Just remember that support is always available and that we’re all in this together.
