What are some healthy ways to deal with stress?

[Vince S.]

What are some healthy ways to deal with stress? I've been particularly stressed out this semester because of my course load, my job, applying for a college transfer, and other issues going on in my life. I've been having some serious trouble sleeping because my roommate stays up until 4 am almost every night watching tv and listening to music. This is particularly bad for me because I have 8 am classes 3 days a week, and I have to get up at 5 am at least once a week for work. Thought I've confronted him twice about it, he still has not changed his habits, hence my sleep aid thread. I'm trying to schedule an appointment with my RA/residential life to have some more formal action taken, but until then, I have to deal with what I've got. I'm also taking five upper division courses this semester, all of which have tons of reading and essay workload. I also work 24-36 hours a week as an EMT, with rotating shifts that includes overnights (with no sleep). I'm also starting a new club on campus so I've been working on that as well. I'm falling behind on my classes, and it's been showing, since I just got an exam back with a score of 36 percent. I've also been applying to transfer to a state university due to financial reasons, so I've been running back and forth jumping through hoops to get all the paperwork in on time, plus wondering if I'll even get in, and if I do, whether or not I should transfer since I'm a junior (loss of credits, not fitting in/making friends, etc.)

Any tips on how to relieve some stress so I can at least sleep and get some work done? Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed I've been turning to smoking tobacco much more often as well as drinking, and I don't want to go down that path. I'm thinking about going to the College Counseling/Mental Health service this week to talk to a therapist. Anything to help me cope in the meantime?

[Unrepresented]

Exercise and routine.

It sounds like routine's not available, so I'd defintiely take advantage of any exercise time available. Hit some weights, take a yoga class, play some pick up ball. It's a natural stress reliever and sleep stimulator.

[Pacman]

exercise - the best method

[Techmonkey]

I'll third that.

it's always starting the routine that's the hardest bit for me too. over time I tend to lapse back into bad habits and I really have to force myself to get back on track. hope things work out!

[KingOvHell]

Go to the dump and smash stuff

[Stanley Design]

Smash things and abuse your liver with alcohol. May not be "healthy" but it's healthier than being stressed out...

[Ericman197]

Quit a least one of your obligations. You probably don't need to be an EMT, and you certainly don't need to start up a club.

You can also try some forearm exercises if your room mate isn't around

[Vince S.]

Originally Posted by Ericman197

Quit a least one of your obligations. You probably don't need to be an EMT, and you certainly don't need to start up a club.

You can also try some forearm exercises if your room mate isn't around

I can probably cut back some time spent on the club. As for the EMS, that's a paid gig, and I need the money for food/books/supplies/help pay tuition.

[scorpionldr]

Originally Posted by Vince S.

What are some healthy ways to deal with stress? I've been particularly stressed out this semester because of my course load, my job, applying for a college transfer, and other issues going on in my life. I've been having some serious trouble sleeping because my roommate stays up until 4 am almost every night watching tv and listening to music. This is particularly bad for me because I have 8 am classes 3 days a week, and I have to get up at 5 am at least once a week for work. Thought I've confronted him twice about it, he still has not changed his habits, hence my sleep aid thread. I'm trying to schedule an appointment with my RA/residential life to have some more formal action taken, but until then, I have to deal with what I've got. I'm also taking five upper division courses this semester, all of which have tons of reading and essay workload. I also work 24-36 hours a week as an EMT, with rotating shifts that includes overnights (with no sleep). I'm also starting a new club on campus so I've been working on that as well. I'm falling behind on my classes, and it's been showing, since I just got an exam back with a score of 36 percent. I've also been applying to transfer to a state university due to financial reasons, so I've been running back and forth jumping through hoops to get all the paperwork in on time, plus wondering if I'll even get in, and if I do, whether or not I should transfer since I'm a junior (loss of credits, not fitting in/making friends, etc.)

Any tips on how to relieve some stress so I can at least sleep and get some work done? Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed I've been turning to smoking tobacco much more often as well as drinking, and I don't want to go down that path. I'm thinking about going to the College Counseling/Mental Health service this week to talk to a therapist. Anything to help me cope in the meantime?

ok. well, to start off, change your locks. teach your roommate he needs to beg to get inside, and when he does, if he's not screwing, it's sleeping.

second, a 36 is not so unacceptable. think of it this way. if you got a 50 percent, you would've been half right .

oh, and lastly, screwing is a GREAT way of relieving stress.

[Papersen]

Do some exercise or a short trip to "disconnect" your mind of problems for a while.

[gold_member_321]

Hit the punching bag until I see better or talk to someone who has nothing to do with what im stressed about.

[FL Knifemaker]

Stress?? I gave it up when I quit my last job about 8 years ago. I could feel the stress leaving my body as I walked out of the building and it hasn't returned since.

[Rattman]

Do some actual praying... sure works for me. Then as the other guys already suggested: do some tiring exercise, and yeah.. smash up some cardboard boxes or whatever you can afford to destroy without hurting yourself.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Find a new project, I got dumped by my girlfriend last week, and then on Thursday I got the go-ahead to start working on a proposal for a non-fiction book... that has helped immeasurably.

You could also try picking up a new hobby. I'd suggest starting to study film, if you're into that sort of thing. Movies, especially once you're aware of all the nuances that go into them, are a great way to stop stressing out.

Hell, you could even pick up the bass again, you resident former bassist you.

[alembicguy]

Originally Posted by Pacman

exercise - the best method

+1 totally agree

[SpankyPants]

[Joe Gress]

Exercise

[SpankyPants]

Yeah, exercise your club at a seal.

[ADbassman]

I second the exercise idea.

I go swimming 4 times a week and it really helps clear my mind.

[bongomania]