Try to think of stress as an indicator that something needs to be done another way.  Have you put off all assignments until the last minute and now are working too hard to finish all your projects and studying for exams all within a few days time?  It may be too late to design a more manageable time frame for now.  Perhaps, taking a brief break using one of the following may help:

1.  Walk away for a few minutes from the task you are working on.  Even completing a mindless task such as putting away all the clothes on your bed may help you get “unstuck.”

2.  Close your eyes and escape.  Envision a scene from a relaxing vacation for several moments or anticipate seeing a beach you’re planning on visiting later in the year.

3.  Find solitude.  ODS is excited to announce our newest publication which will be available in FA’08: 50 Places to Find Peace and Quiet…in Morningside Heights.

4.  Go outside.  Breathe in some fresh NYC air.  People watch.  Help someone cross the street, chat with a store clerk, get a treat from an outdoor vendor…Note that you’re one of many and that people are living their lives all around you with more and less stress…

5.  Find some body of water.  The Hudson River is not far away.  Walk to the river; skip a few flat stones…  If that’s too far, how about a quick dip in the pool?

6.  Breathe deeply. Take conscious breaths until you feel yourself relax.

7.  Listen to music.  Decide if you want music that relaxes you or tunes that energize you.  I remember writing my dissertation to Springsteen’s ‘River of Dreams’, which seemed to get my brain revved up for the next session of writing.

8.  Connect with a friend.  Sharing your frustrations with a sympathetic friend is a fine antidote to stress.  You’ll find that you’re not the only one going through this “ICE—Intense College Experience!”  Just don’t get carried away.  Put a time limit on your visit, get back to work, and get done.  Then pat yourself on the back!

Email Okie a question or comment!

I. "LD 101"

1. What is a learning disability?
2. What is ADD?
3. I'm a professor and one of my students has self-identified a learning disability to me.  What should my expectations be for this student?
4. I find that as assignment and exam deadlines collide, I can't be as productive because I feel such stress.  Any suggestions?