Hola chicos!
Since it is around midterm time, I know everyone is probably a little more stressed than usual. I know I have been crazy stressed out lately for a variety a reasons and today I took a minute to try and think about what I typically do to relieve some stress. So here are some of my tips on how to release your stress.
First, make sure that you are doing what you truly enjoy. I am talking about things that you do all the time, like school or work. Are you studying what you want to? Do you work in a atmosphere that you enjoy? I realized a lot of my stress was coming from some classes that I did not enjoy, specifically my accounting course. I was realizing that I started to not like accounting as much as I used to which is upsetting to me because one of my majors is accounting. So I started to think why I was in that major in the first place and what the benefit of staying or changing my major would be. I realized I chose that major because I wanted to do something in the School of Business & Economics, but sometime more specific than business administration. I then thought about what I enjoyed about business and realized that I truly enjoyed economics most of all in that area. So a couple weeks ago I switched my major from accounting to economics and I couldn’t be more happy. I also made the decision to more actively purse religious studies courses. Last year a I took a religious studies course and really enjoyed it and when I looked at my future courses I realized I had some room for electives and I can probably fit in a religious studies minor by the time I graduate. So when your stressed think about if what you are doing is something you enjoy, after all this is your time in college and make sure you spend it doing something that pleases you.
Secondly, prioritize and make a do to list. My mom has always made fun of me for all the lists I make but for me that is a way to clearly lay out what I need to do; plus is makes me feel awesome when I can cross things off. If you prioritize as well then you can possibly do the things that are the most stressful to you first, thus making you feel better sooner.
Thirdly, talk about it with someone you trust and who can handle hearing you blow off some steam. I am fortunate enough to have a great support system of family and friends that I can go to when I’m stressed. Sometimes just talking about the problem can make you feel better and/or help you refocus on exactly what needs to be done. If you have a lot going on it can be helpful to verbally lay out what you need to do. Sometimes just talking and socializing about other things can be good too. I’m always happy to get out and socialize with other people like my friends in Yoga Club or Student Finance Association.
Finally, relax and purse a hobby that can take your mind off of things and just allow you to be free. For me yoga is always very peaceful and relaxing to me; I also like to cook and go for bike rides. I think when I feel like I have a lot on my plate it’s better to do something else than you fixate over everything that needs to be done. That way when you come back to the task you are more relaxed and ready to do what needs to be done.
Well there you have it, some stress relief tips from me to you. I know many of you may use these tactics and a variety of others. I think the key thing is do to what works for you and take advantage of that. Good luck with midterms and everything, hopefully the next couple of weeks will ease up. In case anyone wasn’t counting, less than 60 days until the end of the semester! : )
Hasta luego,
Alexia
Alexia Szabo is a junior majoring in economics, Spanish and international studies at UW-Stevens Point.