How to cope with midterm stress and anxiety
Rachelle Murphy
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Perspectives
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According to dictionary.com, stress is a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
"I am pretty stressed out, but I am not doing anything about it. I am just praying for Spring Break. When I do get stressed, I play pool. I also feel like staying on top of my studying and getting the work done relieves some of my stress," said Gabe Garcia, sophomore, Coram, N.Y.
Other than finals, midterms are probably one of the most stressful times in a college student's life. They have to deal with the course work, tests, projects, and papers.
"I'm not really that stressed. I don't even have any real midterms. It's just that all of my professors pile the work on really hard this week. So I guess on a scale of one to 10 I'm about a six. And to combat my stress I'm just staying on top of my work," said Erica Vasaturo, sophomore, Staten Island, N.Y.
Even the calmest person can become frazzled during midterm week. It is important to stay composed and try not to let the stress get to your head. Luckily, many students are turning to a variety of ways to help cope with the stress of midterms. Some good stress relievers are exercising, meditation and going for a walk.
"Food is absolutely the best relief for stress. Go to Roncalli and get a quesadilla," said Sam Cerami, freshman, Mahwah, N.J.
"When I am stressed, I hang out with friends and totally forget about the midterms or projects for a little bit. Like tonight, I went to a really good concert," said Jen Murphy, junior, Milford.
Many experts such as those at the Mind/Body Medical Institute, which is based in Chestnut Hill, Mass., feel that there are many ways in which you can relax yourself. This relaxation exercise taken from their website, helps to slowly relax the tension in your body. Progressive muscle relaxation is a gentle way to nurture the beleaguered body and mind when the burdens of work take their toll.