Whether you are a freshman or have a few years of experience as a senior, college life brings a new type of challenge. From classes to meetings, extracurricular school programs, jobs or internships and more, there is always something to do.
Students cope with their demanding schedules in different ways. For some, taking time out of the day to spend with friends can be rewarding. For others, a quick, 30-minute study break in between classes does the job.
Brina Russell, senior sociology major, said hanging out with friends and doing extracurricular activities helps her maintain a healthy balance between school, work and other aspects of life.
“I talk with my friends and I’ll color in coloring books,” Russell said. “I’ll also catch up on a couple of episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ while I take a break from homework.”
Other activities, such as scrolling through social media, can be outlets for students to take a break but sometimes it can be more distracting than helpful.
“I had to delete the Twitter app because it was (stopping) me from doing my homework,” Russell said.
Fortunately, there are ways students can take a breather successfully without becoming distracted.
California Baptist University’s Recreation Center has a variety of equipment and classes such as Zumba, deep stretch and cycling that are beneficial for relaxing and releasing stress in between classes.
Emily Norris, junior nutrition and food sciences major, said she finds taking time out of the day to work out in between classes is a more suitable way for her to manage a busy class schedule.
“I go to the gym whenever I can to destress and spend time away from school,“ Norris said.
Dr. Kristin Mauldin, assistant professor of psychology, said physical activity can have positive effects on stress.
“There is evidence that (exercise) reduces activity in your prefrontal cortex that is involved with planning, which translates to worrying,” Mauldin said. “You’re going to release neurotransmitters that will help clear your brain.”
It can be important for students to understand when it is time to destress so it does not interfere with his or her mental health during a busy semester.
“I get so overwhelmed with everything that I have to do that I feel like I can’t take that time. That’s when I really need it the most,” Norris said.
Mauldin said little changes, such as stretching or a nice walk outside to keep the brain from fixating on things, can help someone focus on the present.
“I try to make good use of my time and find those little moments in between,” Mauldin said. “In terms of a busy day, that may look like taking a walk over to Wanda’s and allowing myself to enjoy the breeze outside while purposefully not thinking about the different things that I have to do.”
With finals just around the corner, it may be rewarding to take some time out of the day for a breather.
