Q: How do I deal with stress?

The weeks before the end of the quarter, Thanksgiving and holiday break are stressful. With tests and papers in every subject packed into the two weeks before these deadlines, it is hard to manage everything.

One of the most important things to remember during these times is that you will survive and you will go to college. Despite how bad you think you might be doing in a class, these weeks before breaks will have barely any effect on where you will end up in life. You can do it!

Some of my favorite activities to relieve stress during these times are working out and baking. When I jump on the elliptical for 30 minutes, I can clear my brain and worry about something that isn’t school. Afterward, I feel less tired and ready to conquer the rest of my day. I also recommend baking because following a recipe and completing something well can give you confidence in other aspects of your life. You will also get a delicious sweet treat in the process.

I also like to talk about what I am going through with my parents, friends or advisors to plan out how to best attack my workload. These conversations make the work feel more manageable and give me other people’s perspectives on how I am doing. 

If none of these activities relieve your stress and you feel like you’re about to explode, do not be afraid to cry. It is not a sign of weakness. In fact, crying will make you feel better and less stressed due to the release of oxytocin and endorphins.

Best of luck to you during these stressful times!

By Kate Woodhouse

Photo by Eugene Seong