With Fall Break being just 5 short days away, that means we are entering midterm week. While this week can be extremely stressful, there are many ways in which the college and organizations around campus are providing opportunities to reduce stress, as well as some ways you can reduce stress on your own. Continue reading to learn more about some of the opportunities and advice!
College-wide events:
Outdoor Adventures is hosting a Wellness Week with the following events free to all students!
When: Monday October 7
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: Sutton Terrace
What: Happy Little Trees Twilight Painting – A relaxing and fun paint night that will help reduce stress regardless of your artistic abilities!
When: Wednesday October 9
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Where: Front Quad
What: Yoga on the Quad – Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, aid in muscle relaxation and improve mood!
When: Thursday October 10
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Where: Outdoor Adventure Center
What: Mindfulness Session – Laura Leonard will teach about mindfulness-based practices such as breath awareness, body scans, gentle movements, and guided reflections!
Reslife is also hosting events for wellness week:
Beyond these 5 opportunities, other organizations and the college will be putting on events this week in the Colket center and around campus, so keep your eyes peeled for other ways to reduce stress this week!
Self-stress reducing tips:
There are also many things that you can do for yourself this week to reduce the amount of stress you are feeling:
- Get enough sleep – While it seems obvious and while you may feel too stressed to think you have time, sleep is crucial in healthy mind and body awareness and attention. Sleeping 6 to 8 hours a night is something that will make the world of difference in your mood this week and in the efficiency of how you get through this week.
- Exercise – Exercising for just 30 minutes a day can help to reduce stress levels, heighten mood, and lead to increased endorphins. Exercising can be done in many forms such as running, walking, biking and even yoga!
Photo taken by Kaillee Philleo – Observing the creation of the sand mandala - Meditate – Meditation is a wonderful and simple way to reduce stress. Two weeks ago the Tibetan Monks walked students through some meditation practices and one of the easiest ways to meditate is through a breathing exercise. Set your alarm for 1 minute, 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or however long you want, and simply sit in a position that feels most comfortable to you (if before bed you can even lay down), then focus on your breathing and nothing else. While easier said than done, just a minute of making yourself present and not worried about what is to come will help reduce stress drastically!
- Take time to do something you enjoy – whether it be reading a book, playing a game, or listening to music, don’t forget to take some time for yourself this week!
Midterms may be stressful, but the reward of a week–long break at the end makes them so worth it. While this list is far from exhaustive, these are a few ways to help reduce stress and heighten mood during this week. Share in the comments below your favorite way to reduce stress during midterm weeks and know that the psychology department is cheering you on till the end!
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