The season is here. And by season, I not only mean that of poinsettias, giant snowfalls and jolly old Saint Nick; I also mean the season of stress, tears and bottomless cups of coffee.
That’s right, it’s finals season for students and holiday season for adults.
During this potentially tear-jerking time of mental breakdowns, there are many ways to deal with stress to stay (somewhat) sane. Here are some of my tips from conventional wisdom for the crying high school student, all the way to the parents witnessing their high school student cry while simultaneously trying to wrap holiday gifts:
Tip No. 1: Find your happy place. (For those of you who just automatically quoted “Finding Nemo” in your head, you’re my hero.) Clichéd as it sounds, studies show that when you’re stressed, you should mentally, or physically, go someplace that makes your heart rate slow by a few beats per minute. (Or at least studies should say that, honestly, I didn’t really look – I’m too busy stressing about essays.)
Tip No. 2: It’s OK to cry. Sometimes it just has to happen to let out all that frustration. So find someone or something you love and trust – maybe a significant other, maybe a dog, maybe a fish (it’s completely up to you), and just let the waterworks flow.
Tip No. 3: Don’t take your stress out on friends. For all you know, your dog could be having the most stressful day of its life, and when you come home and yell at it, it could make the day a lot worse. This same idea totally applies to people, too. It is more preferable to be talked to – not yelled at – and more often than not, friends can provide a lot of support in addition to suggesting great gift ideas.
Tip No. 4: Get your body up and moving. Don’t let all that anxiety and frustration build up and fester in stagnant muscles: Go for a jog, swim, bike, ski, snorkel (maybe the Animas has some hidden coral reefs?) and just get your body up and at ’em! (Please don’t actually go snorkeling in the Animas right now; you’ll most likely end up with hypothermia.)
Tip No. 5: Have a discussion with your limits. Whether it is preparing for an exam or meticulously wrapping a present, there is a point where you have reached your best, and striving for over-achievement will certainly bring your demise. So, take a step back, admire what you have accomplished and have faith that you have done your best.
Whether you are planning for the best holiday ever or the worst test of your life, my wish to you is to decrease your stress (maybe with these tips, maybe not) and enjoy the season. Happy Holidays!
Elli Earl is a copy editor at El Diablo, the Durango High School student newspaper. Her parents are James and Susan Earl of Durango.
