Stress Management

A Day at a Time

On Tuesday I wrote down 3 things that were stressing me out.

1) Preparing to go home for break. I had to find a ride back home, do laundry, pack, and plan my weekend for this break.

2) Scheduling. I was worried that I wasn't going to get into any of my classes because my enrollment date is November 17th. I had to meet with my advisor, and plan out the classes that I should take for the Spring semester.

3) HW. Since next week is the break, I had a variety of tests, quizzes, projects, and assignment this week.

Writing these things down on a post-it did not relieve my stress, but actually stressed me out even more. I posted this on my desk, and it just bothered me that I kept getting reminded of these 3 things. However, one good thing about it is that since the post-it did remind me of the 3 things every time when I was in my room, it forced me to get everything done quickly.

I found myself a ride with my friend, and planned to stay at st johns University this weekend. Also, I finished enrolling in class Thursday morning, and now I dont have to worry about it until next semester. I met with my advisor 2 weeks ago, and I knew the classes I had to enroll in way before my actually enrollment date, so I was well prepared. Lastly, I got through this week, and with this final tech assignment it will be the last thing I will be doing this week. The reason I was able o finish all my assignments and Homework was by working in between classes. I found it easy to focus right after class, and furthermore it helped me get my work done in a efficient manner. I do not think "A day at a Time" relieved my stress but it was a good way to remind me of certain information.

5 Minute Escape

The 5 minute Escape has been something i've been doing for a long time. I learned from my Mom when I was younger that when i'm stressed I should stretch, and massage my temple in a circular motion. I found this strategy especially helpful when I have back to back classes and I just feel burnt out. When I feel stressed my head becomes one big fog, and I cant concentrate on anything. This strategy helps relieve this stress, and by just moving around it helps me mentally to just get through my day. On Wednesday, I had 3 papers due, and I was writing for about 7 hours straight. Every 30 minutes I found myself using this technique to clear my mind, and to take a short break from my writing. If I didn't know about this strategy there is no possible way that I could write for 7 hours without passing out on my desk.... I LOVE the 5 minute Escape! The picture below explains it all :) It is very relaxing, and I recommend it to everyone, even kids.