“So much to do, so little time.” The theme of many college students here and abroad, and the slogan I wear daily pasted on my forehead.
There’s always too much to do and the time that once seemed to be plentiful is suddenly short. I’m scrambling for what I thought was there. More now than ever, my list of things to do seems to be getting longer. The longer the list, the more exasperated I become.
That’s when I begin to experience stress, the little purple monster that tends to sneak up on you. He’s elusive, coming and going as he pleases, when temperatures and emotions are running high. So to combat him, I bring out the artillery, a couple of things I learned to do whenever I’m feeling stressed.
The first: Make a list of the things you have to do. This helps you become organized and have tangible proof of what needs to be done. Once you have your list, put them in order of importance. Do the easy or less attention-requiring tasks first and the more difficult ones last.
My sister-in-law once told me that if you think about all the things you have to do at once, you’d just feel even more overwhelmed. It’s all in the mind. Just do it.
Secondly, see a masseuse. Massages lead to relaxation. They tend to rub the negativity right out of you. I’m not a fan of massages, but I’ve seen my mother, who wins the award for Most Stressed Woman of the Year, be literally reduced to a puddle of sighs. If low on cash, find someone with the hands to do magic.
And I wouldn’t be a journalism student, if I didn’t recommend writing about your troubles. I have over five journals, which I use when I am need of a catharsis. I find that despite my frenzied writing on the pages, I feel so much better afterward. My anger is transferred to my pen onto the pages and I’m instantly cheerful.
Change your surroundings. Talk to someone. Pour it all out on the table.
For many people, eating is an excellent outlet for stress and can also be a related cause.
Wouldn’t you feel a little better if you had something in your stomach?
A study conducted at Western Oregon University in Monmouth found that college students were unaware that their dietary habits were unhealthy.
In the study, 105 students were asked to estimate the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains they ate the previous day, using a 10-point scale. Most said their food intake was the same or better than usual. On average, the students reported they ate 1.7 servings of fruit, two servings of vegetables, 2.8 servings of dairy products and 3.8 servings of grains. Using the recommendations described on the food pyramid created by the federal government, the dairy category was the only one that the students came close to fulfilling.
Those are sad results. So experts at Duke University came up with some tips, because we need to eat a little healthier. I’ve scarfed down enough Wendy’s in my two years here to know.
1.Study in the library away from alluring sights and smells of food and socialization.
2.Plan what you are going to eat when you have a study break. Keep tempting, high-fat, high-calorie foods out of your room.
3.If you splurge on a late night meal/snack, cut back on portions for the next day or two.
4.Balance your eating — don’t get mad at yourself.
5.Do not compare yourself to anyone else who may be lucky enough to eat everything they want without gaining an ounce.
6.Take responsibility for your health by eating sensibly without skipping meals and exercising regularly.
Daneesha Davis, 19, is a sophomore journalism student. She can be reached at sweetspice46@aol.com.