Trying to be Mindful

Dear CRCers:

It's mid-semester, and I'm feeling stressed! I need some inspiration! What are some healthy ways you manage stress?  

Signed, Trying to Be Mindful

Inc.com

There is stress and then there's more cause for concern. Counseling and Psychological Services has an awesome online self-help library, where you can read about facing academic stressors like perfectionism and mitigating issues like dysfunctional relationships or the current political state of affairs. In the end, don't isolate yourself; talk out your feelings with others and get the support you need.

CRCer Peggy says: 

I was terrible about managing my stress when I was in college. I was an activist on campus during my first couple of years, and eventually, it became clear that I needed to step back because I was burning myself out. I took three semesters off between my sophomore and junior years. Time off was necessary and good for me; I gained back some confidence and took the time to heal and attend to some health issues.

In general, I needed to get more sleep every night--pulling all-nighters was starting to get really old, and more sleep meant that I was more focused overall.

Also...Back in the day, there was a weekly event called "Funk Nite" in what is now the courtyard of Kasper Multipurpose Room (formerly the Mail Room).  From 9:00 pm-1:00 am, there was a DJ and folks just showed up in whatever (not dressed to impress). Going out and dancing for an hour or two was a great way to relieve some stress!

CRCer Yuna '18 says:

During this busy, hectic and stressful time of the semester, it's easy to pass up on scheduled lunch plans or cut your exercise routine out of your schedule to try to get a few more hours of sleep or study time. I've found that keeping on a regular schedule has actually made me more efficient and I feel better later on. Something that always helps me feel calm and grounded is practicing mindfulness meditation - either going to Brown Meditation Community (BMC) sits, or using apps on my phone. Also, distance yourself mentally and physically for a bit after staring at a computer screen for hours by exercising to some jammin' tunez (I literally have a playlist named "sing it out LOUD"). Then, you can get back to the #grind with a clear mind!