It goes without saying that college can be a stressful time in a person’s life, and with finals right around the corner at CU, the amount of anxiety across campus is tipping scales.
Along with stress, the constant pressure from exams, social lives, a job and other commitments can have an adverse effect on the body as well as the mind. Stress negatively affects almost all areas of the body and has been linked to muscle aches, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome and even cancer.
For women, stress has been known to cause fluctuations in menstrual cycles, decreased sexual desire and increased risk of heart disease.
For those who find themselves under constant tension and are relaxation deficient, remember that taking time to relax will not only improve your mental state and happiness, but also your physical well being. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Tip one: Find a way to shut your brain off for awhile. Meditation may be too much of an “earthy” word for some people, but you’ve got to give your brain a rest. Take time out of your day away from the job or the textbooks to indulge in a hobby such as knitting or video games.
Tip two: Going off of the last tip, remember that naps are your friend. The body starts to slow down naturally in the afternoon before picking up again for the evening, so listen to what your body is telling you. If you are tired, take a 20-minute power nap. Napping not only relieves stress, but also improves alertness and cognitive functions.
Tip three: Hit the gym. Physical activity will give your brain a chance to rest and help your body dispose of toxins accumulating around your muscles that stress accelerates. Stretching is also a good “timeout” exercise to relieve muscle tension.
Tip four: There are breathing exercises you can try that will help increase oxygen to the body. Roll breathing, a technique meant to keep you in time with your breathing rhythm, can be done while lying on the ground or in a sitting position.
- Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest
- Practice filling you lower lungs so that your abdomen rises and your chest remains still
- Remember to breath in through your nose and out through your mouth
- After eight-to-10 reps breathing into your lower lungs like before, continue breathing into your upper lungs
- When you exhale, try to breath out of your abdomen first. This will make you aware of the rolling, wave-like motion of your breath
- Practice this breathing for three to five minutes, but slow down if you start to get dizzy
Tip five: Self massage and aromatherapy contribute to increased rejuvenation and lowered blood pressure. Give yourself quick shoulder rubs throughout the day by massaging with a circular motion the sides of the spine running up the neck and the Trapezius muscle at the base. The scent of aromatherapy oils, used in candles and lotion, is calming and helps fight muscle pain.
Tip six: Remember the Student Wellness Center. The center kicks into high gear for finals, offering The Haven each semester. The Haven is a quiet zone where students can receive free chair massages, indulge in aromatherapy and study in a conducive environment. The massages are by appointment so call 303-735-6433 for scheduling and more event information.
The number one rule of stress relief is not to fight what your body is telling you. If your eyes are exhausted, staring at that textbook is not going to do you any good. Giving yourself a chance to catch up will help you in the long run, so put your mind and body in first priority and the good grades will follow.
