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DEC. ISSUE | SPORTS & HEALTH
THE ONTARION
Getting some bright light everyday (i.e. drawing up the curtains and blinds or going for a short walk during daylight hours) and taking Vitamin D may help improve one’s symptoms.
2. WALK THROUGH THE TREES According to the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), being surrounded by trees can be a good stress-reliever. In fact, the GGSC reports that “forest bathing,” or spending time in the woods, has also been linked to reduction in fatigue.
3. EMBRACE THE SNOW For most Canadians, the winter season brings an abundance of snow. Taking time to connect with the seasons by spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on your wellbeing. During the winter, try learning how to ice-skate, playing ice-hockey, engaging in snowball fights, building a snowman or forming snow angels.
The great indoors
6. KNIT A SWEATER Knitting or crocheting a sweater, sewing, embroidery, creating handmade christmas cards, or painting expressively can all serve to reduce stress levels, says an article by The American Institute of Stress. Repetitive actions, such as needles clicking while knitting, can be meditative and soothing. These activities can serve as an outlet for everyday stress and distraction from anxious thoughts.
Get back into your body 7. DAILY EXERCISE Mayo Clinic states that any form of exercise can be a stress reliever. Physical activity can boost endorphin production in your brain. Endorphins are feelgood neurotransmitters that are associated with “runner’s high.” Runner’s high is a relaxing state that runners often experience after a good run. The body releases endorphins to help prevent muscles from feeling pain or excessive fatigue. Even simple exercises like taking a walk, trying free Zoom fitness classes, or drop-in classes at the university’s Athletics Centre can be a wonderful way to get moving and take a break from sitting at your desk.
8. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
4. TIS THE SEASON TO BAKE Try picking up knitting when overwhelmed with stress; repetitive actions have meditative and soothing effects. CREDIT: PEXELS
20 stress busters to try this December Ideas to combat exam-related stress ANCHITAA GHAG
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s exam season approaches, final assignments, study intensive sessions, and sleepless nights are bound to leave students feeling stressed. However, according to the American Psychologists Association (APA), stress can be both positive and negative. It can motivate you to work hard and perform well on your exams and final evaluations. However, as the APA states, if stress is prolonged
something fun or relaxing. Here are 20 stress buster ideas to try out this season.
The great outdoors 1. GET SOME NATURAL LIGHT
or chronic in nature, it can also adversely impact your health and wellbeing. Some of these adverse effects include: chronic fatigue, an inability to concentrate, heart disease, and increased risk of depression. While we can improve our organizational efficiency and time-management skills to deal with exam stress, sometimes it may be beneficial to turn your attention away from studying and instead do
With the onset of winter, we are experiencing longer nights and shorter days. Fewer daylight hours has also been linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The National Institute of Mental Health defines SAD as a type of depression where a person’s mood and behaviour changes significantly as the seasons change. Some of the symptoms include oversleeping, withdrawing from others, and having low energy.
Soups, stews, and oven roasted seasonal vegetables are not only warm and nourishing foods to eat during the winter, but the act of cooking and baking them can be a fantastic stress buster, says The American Institute of Stress. Tuning into the sensory experiences that come with cooking and baking can be an effective mindfulness practice. For example, pay attention to the colors and shapes of ingredients, notice how the smells in the kitchen change throughout the process, and listen to the sounds made while cooking (for example, the sizzling of vegetables in a hot pan).
One way to combat stress is to get a full night’s rest, says WedMD. It recommends a comfortable sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool. In addition, setting a sleep schedule may be helpful to ensure that you are getting adequate sleep during this busy time.
9. SOAK IN A WARM BATH The Cleveland Clinic states that soaking in a warm bath can be an effective way to manage stress for a number of reasons. Warm baths may help to soothe muscles, offer a nice escape from daily stressors, and be a good environment for meditation.
5. SMELL THE LAVENDER BUDS According to ScienceDaily, smelling lavender, lemon, and mango are good for stress relief. Try engaging with these scents through candles, essential oils, room sprays, diffusers, or even incorporating them in your cooking (e.g. lemon sugar cookies).
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