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Combating Stress

As the fall semester begins, it is very common for you to feel a sudden rise in stress. After having three months off for summer, diving headfirst back into assignments, deadlines, and expectations can be a lot. Because of that, it is incredibly important to take the time needed to ensure your mental health stays intact during the semester.

An easy way to do that is by visualizing your tasks. The size of a task can feel larger than life, making it seem impossible to even start. By physically writing each step needed to complete the assignment, you can bring the project back down to earth and effectively plan how much time you may need for each part. Sleep is also incredibly important; 7–9 hours of sleep a night is vital for your mood, stress levels, and cognition.

Lastly, music is a great tool to help you relax. Research shows that slower-tempo music can promote calmness and lower heart rate, while music in a major key often boosts happiness.