De-stressing Tactics as told by CMU Students

Story by The Healthy Living Staff
Photo by Anne Langan

There is no doubt that the piles of homework, group projects and exams can become stressful. According to a 2008 study on mental health, 8 in 10 college students reported that they frequently experience stress in their daily lives, which was a 20 percent increase from the same study done five years prior.

Stepping back from all the work can be difficult, but in order to improve a stressful life, it is necessary to find ways to de-stress.

The Healthy Living staff set out to find out the best de-stressing tactics of CMU students in order to help those that may need a little extra help.

“To de-stress, I will either do yoga or some deep breathing to just help with stress. I will also usually take [a] walk or just get some fresh air to help clear my mind.”

Liz Golz, Junior

“I play basketball mostly because I play my entire life. When I’m playing basketball, it keeps my mind off of everything else.”

Paige Barrette, Freshman

“I would have to say working out because it allow you to clearly focus on what you have to do and allows you to take a break that still benefits yourself. It also makes you more tired which takes away some of the worry.”

Nate Johnson, Junior

“I like to go for long runs. [I go for runs] because it’s stress relieving to know that I’m bettering my health while also clearing my mind.”

Morgan Dennison, Freshman

“I go socialize and play sports because it keeps my mind off [stress]. It helps to be socializing and laughing while playing some sort of sport – [it’s] relaxing for me.”

Emily Nicholas, Freshman

“When I’m stressed I like to go running. Not only does it help calm my nerves, but it keeps me healthy, too.”

Courtney McLocklin, Junior

“I love to listen to music. It helps distract me and takes my mind to a different place. Jamming to music also puts me in a really good mood.”

Kourtney Bonk, Junior

“I make sure that I take a lot of scheduled breaks so I can destress. For every 30 minutes of studying, I’ll let myself take a 5 to 10 minutes break so I don’t get overwhelmed with everything that I’m doing.”

Lauren Fletcher, Freshman

Finding new ways to destress can be difficult, but finding the ways that work will create major benefits in the long run. Whether it’s exercising, reading or just taking time to be alone, find the perfect distressing method to help reduce stress.