Dear Ask Anything,

– School Stressed

Dear Stressed,

You have come to the right person. I am the QUEEN of relaxation, just ask my mom. Now I understand that school is important and you don’t want to get put on academic probation, but I think the main thing you need to do is relax. Sure, I can give you some tips on stress-free activities, but the main problem is in your head. The number one way to relieve stress is to take a few deep breaths and think soothing thoughts.

Napping is also a brilliant activity, as is sleeping in general. If you are panicking about a history paper or the vast unknown awaiting you after college, just take a quick nap. It will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Unless, of course, you are too stressed out to fall asleep and just lie there thrashing around and freaking out.

If you are at this level of stress, you may need something else to occupy your mind, something a little more drastic. Vh1 countdowns are really good for this type of relief. If you choose the television method of relaxation, be sure to watch mindless shows. Watching shows such as “Lost” will only make you more stressed out.

If you still want some mind stimulation while relaxing, you can always read a book. We have a lovely library right on our campus full of books, glorious books! They aren’t just boring reference books either. There are all sorts of novels on the fourth and fifth floors you can read to pass the time. If these books are too long or challenging and the big words make you feel more stressed out than you already are – head down to the library basement.

I am a fan of books in general, and sometimes I can be a “book snob,” only willing to read “real literature,” but the young adult section offers something that the “old adult” section doesn’t. The books are shorter and often just lighter in substance – they don’t leave you thinking and generally don’t make you cry. Although I did recently read this one about a 14-year-old girl named Molly who hid books about her changing body in a shoebox under her bed, and I felt quite upset when her first boyfriend dumped her and I was even more distraught when she got her first period and didn’t even tell her mom! In general though, books labeled “young adult” or “youth fiction” are great stress relievers.

The best way to prevent a mental breakdown – especially in these weeks leading up to the end of the semester where professors get together and collaborate on what day they should have all projects and papers due – is to take breaks. Do your math homework – then bake some cookies. Meet in the library for a group project – then go for a walk. Study for your final exam – then have a dance party with friends. It’s all about balance.

Freaking out doesn’t help. If you’ve studied and done all you can to prepare for your exams, there’s no reason for you to be crabby and yell at your roommates. Instead, start a Judy Blume book club with them, or watch that new show, “Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School.”