How to Relieve Stress as a College Student:

By: Jessie Ramcharran//

You open your laptop to study and begin your homework. In the process of studying, you start to become tense. Your heart rate rises, and your face turns red. You start feeling overwhelmed and running out of time. Sound familiar?

Life in general causes stress, let alone college. And one might ask, what exactly is stress? 

Well, stress is our body’s response to challenging situations and pressures. It’s emotional and physical tension. According to the American Psychological Association, there are three types of stress: acute, episodic acute and chronic stress.

Acute stress is short-term and the most common form of stress. Episodic stress is when you experience acute stress too consistently. Chronic stress is long-term stress that can negatively impact a person’s mental and physical health. 

It’s good to take a breather.

Here are some helpful tips on relieving stress: 

• Exercise regularly
• Increase animal interactions
• Enjoy the outdoors
• Monitor your screen time
• Get plenty of sleep
• Manage your time well
• Find a stress outlet
• Get organized
• Use relaxation techniques like meditation and stretching

Here at Hood College, there are many opportunities to destress. 

There are weekly meditation groups that meet on the quad while maintaining social distance. This is a part of the meditation program at Hood. The program is called Koru – comes from Duke University – and it is where people are invited to recall things that they are thankful for at the beginning or end of the day. 

Also, there is a physical education class taught by Dean of the Chapel, the Rev. Beth O’Malley that offers “forest bathing.” “So, it’s not going outdoors to take a bath in the woods; it’s to go out and be surrounded by nature so that you get those calming benefits of nature,” O’Malley said. 

Students should also find comfort in those they love like family, friends, and even pets. “Animals can be just a terrific comfort and a wonderful opportunity to destress,” O’Malley said. 

Some faculty members, including Michelle Gricus, an assistant professor of social work, and Katherine Robiadek, an assistant professor of political science, are encouraging students to participate in a moment of mindfulness in class to feel calmer, less stressed, and more capable. This is a good way to help aid students with their stress levels.    

If you are experiencing severe stress issues or would like to talk to someone, then contact Hood College Health and Counseling Services at 301-698-8374.