Here are some simple solutions to relieve seasonal strain
It seems like yesterday you were lying on the beach sunbathing with friends and you’ve just barely finished digesting the annual Thanksgiving feast, but believe it or not, it’s already the beginning of the winter holiday season. A warm joyous feeling penetrates the frosty air as people with glowing smiles stride down the sidewalks.
Suddenly, it is the time of year famous for hot chocolate with marshmallows, ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas,” the first snow of the season and confessing love. At last, it is acceptable to take out our “Christmas Cookie”-scented Yankee Candle and festive lights that have been buried deep within the closet for the past year. And it is finally OK to eat way too many homemade chocolate-chip cookies (and lick the bowl, too), sing your favorite holiday tunes over and over at the top of your lungs and wear those ridiculous snowman socks your mom bought you.
Unfortunately, along with the holiday bliss also comes an enormous burden of stress for most students. We are all busy trying to find the “perfect” gift for Dad, working on maintaining good relationships with friends, family and significant others, on top of spending weeks studying for final exams.
With all these commitments, it’s no wonder students’ stress levels reach an all-time high this time of year. Rather than singing Christmas carols and being merry, many of us may feel like life is a complete disaster and are tempted to lock ourselves in our rooms and just scream.
However, there are definitely much more rational, beneficial ways to handle these winter blues. First of all, exercise is a great way to release the pressures built up from the day. By making a few trips to UREC every week, you will feel relieved and much better about yourself. I know my friends would not want to come close to me on a day I haven’t worked out because I’d resemble mean old Mr. Scrooge. I use exercise as a way to release tension, ultimately making me happier.
People who don’t enjoy working out have many alternatate options as well. Focusing on time management is one of the top strategies for relieving stress. After many years, I’ve learned that planning out the day ahead of time by making to-do lists can help keep stress at a minimum. While I’ve always been teased by friends for keeping a plethora of lists everywhere I go, it actually helps break down those tedious obligations that can add up.
The lists can include anything, from grocery shopping to projects due in the near future. By doing this, you will surely alleviate some of the hassle and find it much easier to manage your days.
Most importantly, everyone needs to remember to take a deep breath and relax a little during the holiday season. Running around frantically complaining about the endless work you have or escaping to your room and sobbing isn’t going to get you anywhere but in a bad mood. Instead, try taking a break by putting on some comfortable pajamas, making some hot cocoa and doing absolutely nothing for an hour or two.
While it may seem contradictory, this will enable you to clear your mind and get back to business when you’re ready. Also, many find it helpful to unwind by listening to soothing music or watching a favorite TV show. Little things like this can calm you down, instantly boosting your mood and invigorating your mind and body.
Overall, it’s important not to allow ourselves to get wrapped up in all of the holiday trauma that life throws at us. Instead, we should simply take a moment to look around at all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for this year. After all, isn’t peace, love and joy what this season is all about?
Rachel Chemerynski is a junior SMAD major.
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