Spring Break
Play like a child
Stephanie Fu
Issue date: 2/24/09 Section: Opinion
There are less than 10 school days until spring break. Although many students are extremely excited, the last couple of weeks before this joyous break also means it is time for professors to cram in midterms, papers and projects galore. As I tried to figure out a way to lessen the amount of stress that was growing inside me, I watched one of the little boys I baby-sit color in his "Justice League" coloring book. It occurred to me that a great way to de-stress might be to revert back to childhood activities.
Stress is a direct contributor to a weakened immune system. It causes the production of specific T-cells that prevent the immune system from working properly. It also increases the production of chemicals in the body that increase blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals who experience more stress are also more susceptible to viral infections, ulcers and the common cold. Many psychologists and doctors suggest redirecting the focus onto something else that relaxes the body so that the immune system can rest from this sort of "attack" from stressors.
Activities that require less mental stress and include more physical activity may be some avenues to try. Here are some that may help with the work overload pre-spring break:
Finger paint costs about $10 and comes in six different colors. Even if the painter is not incredibly artistic, this is never a problem with finger paint. The great thing about this activity is it allows the painter to get his or her hands messy and there are no guidelines to follow because the painting can be "abstract" and take no realistic form. Twister is a way to de-stress while being active. With a group of friends, this childhood game can be amusing to see just how flexible -- or not -- some of your friends are.
Traditional board games, although it may sound a bit cheesy, can actually be very effective in directing the mind to a different focus even if just for a 30-minute study break.
When all else fails, just ask yourself what you are stressed about and try to be creative to solve the problem.
I usually try to take a bubble bath or go to the gym to work out. However, lately, because I cannot afford to pay for a regular kickboxing class to throw around some punches to relieve my frustration, I have found that buying a sheet of giant bubble wrap and popping the bubbles helps. Even though I feel slightly ridiculous, it has become a very funny trend for my friends to watch and some have started to participate.
Whatever it is that helps you de-stress, the important thing is to get your mind away from thinking about the piles of work that has to be done -- even if just for a few minutes -- to relieve your body and a good laugh may come out of it as well.
Keep pushing through and remember: Less than 10 days left!
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Stress is a direct contributor to a weakened immune system. It causes the production of specific T-cells that prevent the immune system from working properly. It also increases the production of chemicals in the body that increase blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals who experience more stress are also more susceptible to viral infections, ulcers and the common cold. Many psychologists and doctors suggest redirecting the focus onto something else that relaxes the body so that the immune system can rest from this sort of "attack" from stressors.
Activities that require less mental stress and include more physical activity may be some avenues to try. Here are some that may help with the work overload pre-spring break:
Finger paint costs about $10 and comes in six different colors. Even if the painter is not incredibly artistic, this is never a problem with finger paint. The great thing about this activity is it allows the painter to get his or her hands messy and there are no guidelines to follow because the painting can be "abstract" and take no realistic form. Twister is a way to de-stress while being active. With a group of friends, this childhood game can be amusing to see just how flexible -- or not -- some of your friends are.
Traditional board games, although it may sound a bit cheesy, can actually be very effective in directing the mind to a different focus even if just for a 30-minute study break.
When all else fails, just ask yourself what you are stressed about and try to be creative to solve the problem.
I usually try to take a bubble bath or go to the gym to work out. However, lately, because I cannot afford to pay for a regular kickboxing class to throw around some punches to relieve my frustration, I have found that buying a sheet of giant bubble wrap and popping the bubbles helps. Even though I feel slightly ridiculous, it has become a very funny trend for my friends to watch and some have started to participate.
Whatever it is that helps you de-stress, the important thing is to get your mind away from thinking about the piles of work that has to be done -- even if just for a few minutes -- to relieve your body and a good laugh may come out of it as well.
Keep pushing through and remember: Less than 10 days left!
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story