Relax away sickness and stress
By Maggie Beidelman
It's time for relaxation.
I only ever hear these magic words in my yoga class, where time ignores the modern world and minutes are dedicated to nothing but health.
The word "relaxation" itself sounds foreign in our fast-paced society. Even after working out, we forget to relax and be mindful of our bodies.
When midterms roll around, we scoff at the idea of relaxation. Who has the time for that?
After late-night snacks and hours of sitting at the computer screen, stress builds up knots in our stomachs and backs. Soon, our bodies are overworked and ignored, and we become sick.
As we sit on the brink of week nine, take a moment to monitor your physical self. When physically stable, studying for finals and throwing together last-minute projects will be so much easier.
Here are a few suggestions:
Lifetime recreation: You can still join open fitness classes in Malley, which are now prorated. An hour or two a week of Vinyasa yoga will get you relaxed, focused and ready to tackle that final paper.
Meditation: Even 10 minutes can rejuvenate you. Try the hour-long silent meditation on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Multifaith Sanctuary on the first floor of St. Joseph's Hall.
Eat healthy: Stock your fridge with fresh local produce from the Franklin Square Farmers' Market or the Farm Fresh Produce permanent market at the intersection of Homestead Road and Scott Boulevard. Try to avoid sugar and caffeine, as they can cause you to crash in the middle of a study session. Trader Joe's has a great selection of natural teas -- I recommend Celestial Seasonings' Tension Tamer.
Listen to music: Stay focused and calm while working on the computer by playing soft or classical music in the background. My music major friends recommend Bach's Third Symphony. Use Pandora online radio to create a station that you don't have to change every five minutes.
Go for a walk: Check out the ornate Victorian homes in our neighborhood or head down to the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden to re-energize.
Breathe: The most basic of all relaxation exercises, breathing, is the hardest to remember. Close your eyes, inhale for five seconds, then exhale for 10. Repeat five times.
Smile: Even if you're stressed, simply moving your mouth muscles upward can signal your brain to feel happy.
Write: When frustrated by all the work you have to do, by your lack of free time or faltering relationships, write it down. Getting your frustration down on the page helps clarify things and works better than punching a pillow. Trust me.