Madison PalmieroBIOSC Junior and Pre-PA We are at that point in the semester where stress may be overwhelming our lives. Taking the last midterm of the semester, submitting the final paper or project, preparing for final exams. We all want to be done, but there is still more studying to do and more due dates to meet. Also, we are still in the midst of a pandemic! When the pressure starts to build, it is important to take time to check in with yourself. If you are feeling stressed out by the demands of school, you are not alone. Stress can have consequences on our emotional, mental, and physical health. However, there are many ways to manage and relieve stress; your goal should be to find which methods work best for you. Here are three ideas for relieving stress that you can try out today. 1. Go outside When classes were in person, we all had to walk around campus to get to different buildings. Now, we don’t even have to leave our room. Fresh air is good for the body. Look up at the sky instead of staring at a computer screen. Taking time to enjoy the outdoors will give you a chance to clear your mind. Pittsburgh is home to many green spaces and parks where you can do just this. Schenley Plaza is conveniently located at the heart of Pitt’s campus. There are tables as well as a large lawn where you can sit and feel the spring breeze. There is even WiFi, if you want to get some studying in. With just a short walk from campus, you can access the 456 acres of outdoor space that make up Schenley Park. Enjoy the views of the city, while still being surrounded by nature. Visit this website to learn more about the other parks that Pittsburgh has to offer. (https://www.pittsburghparks.org/your-pgh-parks ) Many parks are easily accessible through the port authority buses, which are free to ride with a Pitt ID. 2. Get active Another great way to relieve stress is to do something active. Stress can cause tension in our bodies that we don’t even realize is there. Movement benefits our bodies and our minds. Take a walk, go for a run, go to the gym, or even attend a yoga class. Pitt has multiple recreation facilities on campus that are open for student use. Use this link to book a time slot at the recreation center of your choice. https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/campus-recreation/facilities-and-hours/book-a-time-slot/ If you are interested in yoga, which is a great activity for stress relief, here are two great options for you. The Stress-Free Zone at Pitt is offering free yoga classes through zoom. Classes are scheduled for Mondays at 8:00 pm and Thursdays at 6:00 pm. Use this link to register. https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/shs/stressfree/classes-and-workshops/ If you prefer a non-virtual option, free yoga classes are offered in some area parks around town. Bring your own yoga mat, or just a towel, and don’t forget a face covering. For more details, see the link below. https://www.pittsburghparks.org/park-events 3. Take time for yourself It is not healthy to spend all of your time on schoolwork! Give your brain a break. Do something that you enjoy. This could be spending time with friends, watching a movie, reading a book, or even taking a nap. Don’t feel guilty for taking time away from school. Remember, grades matter, but your mental health is so much more important.
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Pitt Bio BlogThe Pitt Bio Blog is maintained by the Department of Biological Sciences Advising Office. Posts are authored by our students Archives
January 2022
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