This time of year during the fall semester, as I’m sure most of you already know, is very stressful. There are no real breaks until Thanksgiving, and then it is cram time for final exams, which will be coming at us faster than a spider monkey after the break.
Not only does stress and anxiety affect our mental health, it affects our physical being as well. There is a long list of negative physical effects of stress in one’s life which includes the following, but is not limited to: headaches, muscle pains, acne, constant fatigue, frequent heartburn, shortness of breath, excessive weight gain or decreased weight, stomach ulcers, cardiovascular disorders, and increased vulnerability to infection.
“It’s that way every year around this time,” said Sam Silderman, counselor at the Brown House, about the increase in stressed-out students making appointments.
“This time of the semester I am always doing work. I have major projects and tests in all my classes and it seems like they all happen at the same time,” said Matt Nicklis, a junior in mountain recreation.
How can one reduce the nervous tension in our lives? First, stop stressing about being stressed. Although it sounds impractical, it’s true. If you are constantly worrying about worrying you are will achieve nothing but a headache from it. Accept that you are stressed. Accept that you are dealing with more than you may of chosen to. Then from there, develop a reasonable plan of attack and become proactive.
When making a conscious decision to be practical about what you need to do in order to succeed and get through the remainder of the semester, you gain a sense of control back. Create a reasonable and attainable goal list. Include dates and times you have available to get the work done. Then, head to the library and achieve what you set out do to.
Once you feel like you have a sensible target list, find a physical activity you enjoy, for this is a vital and very effective way to relieve anxiety. This does not mean you have to go to the gym if that is not your cup of tea. There are many ways on and off campus to get your heart pumping. The rock wall is a fun and great workout. You can also utilize the pool with a few of your friends, or just simply go for a hike or walk outside in beautiful Vermont. Although aerobic exercises are the most affective for relieving apprehension, any form of physical activity will make a healthy, relieving impact.
Also, avoid an unhealthy, stress prone diet. Make sure you are eating breakfast and spacing your meals and snacks out throughout the day. Avoid large amounts of caffeine and sugar. Although that super-sized coffee may get you going on homework, it depletes the body’s storage of vitamin B. Also –take a daily vitamin supplement containing high amounts of Vitamin B and C.
Lastly, have a sense of humor about the issues you are dealing with involving school. In the grand scheme of things, a bad grade on a mid-term or a research paper is not the end of the world. Also, make sure you include some personal time somewhere within your hectic schedule to relax and perhaps listen to some music, read, or watch a movie. Don’t worry Lyndon State; the countdown is on until winter break, and the fresh start to a spring semester.