De-Stress with Learning Services

De-Stress with Learning Services

by Justin, Marissa, Charlotte, and Joshua | Friday, April 25th, 2025

Justin’s De–Stress Tip: Physical Activity

Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, school, and friendships? By the end of the semester, many of us are left feeling burnt out. Unfortunately these feelings are normal and in this article by the APA, the effects of prolonged stress on the body are made clear, “Exposure to long-term stress can be toxic to multiple systems in the body, even leading to medical concerns like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system, along with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.” These serious consequences of stress make it essential to take care of your body and mind to ease the effects of long-term stress.

So, what should we do about this challenge? My suggestion is physical activity. I personally find that I remain more level-headed when I have a frequent exercise routine. The APA explores the positive effect that moving one’s body can have on your general mental health when they say, “the right kind of stress can actually make the body more resilient. Research shows that while exercise initially spikes the stress response in the body, people experience lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine after bouts of physical activity.” I can feel a lot of anxiety after a day of classes and work, but I can channel those feelings into a positive outlet when I do physical exercise. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out while reading this, maybe start by just taking a short walk.

Source: https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress

Marissa’s De–Stress Tip: One Piece

With final exams approaching, deadlines appearing closer than we realize, and papers piling on, it’s important to find time to engage in activities that provide us with some peace and stillness. As I’m preparing for my final papers and assessments, I make sure to build time into my schedule to relax and engage in activities that allow me to unplug and destress. Currently, I’ve been making the time to read fun books during my downtime, losing myself in a good story. I’ve also been getting into One Piece and losing myself in the 1000+ episode series! Overall, as finals season approaches, make sure to establish time for yourself, and engage in a fun activity or two!

Charlotte’s De–Stress Tip: Coloring Books

During finals or midterms, I try to avoid screens or anything that would cause me unwanted stress. Instead of worrying about my final or what I have to study for, I just need to make smaller decisions on a page. I always try to do a page or two after a big assignment which has allowed me to keep my creative brain going while making progress through themed coloring books. It may seem a bit weird at first but just picking colors and finding the right shade can be really relaxing, and once the picture is done fulfilling. And by doing that I’m able to feel less stressed about any academics that may be on my mind.

Joshua’s De–Stress Tip: The Weekly Schedule

As a new staff member of Learning Services, I have learned that to de–stress is just as important as managing your time well. Part of time management is to make sure we have time for exactly that – to chill out! I have been implementing a weekly schedule, so that I do have time to relax. Otherwise, I will be “wasting” a bunch of time and then rushing to get important things done. This change actually made my time of relaxation more relaxing, because I found that I would be coping with stress due to exams, assignments, projects, etc., by wasting time. This way, my time of relaxation can actually be relaxing and even stress-free!

Written by Justin Dodgion, Marisssa Malone, Joshua Sands, and Charlotte Mento
Edited by Justin Dodgion

 

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