Lead a stressless, carefree existence at Hopkins

Hopkins is known to be one of the most academically challenging schools in the country, and its students are famed for studying all the time. But a mere glance at the campus can prove otherwise. Hopkins students are able to balance their schoolwork with their extra-curriculars.

Still, there are times when you feel you just have way too much to do.

I interviewed a few students this past Saturday, and asked them what they do to relieve stress. Most of the people who responded were freshmen; Since freshmen are still adjusting from high school to college life, they are often the most stressed out of all students. Here are some useful methods they (and a couple of upperclassmen) mentioned that help them beat the stress.

One excellent way to avoid stress is to manage your time well. My roommate, freshman Jacob Barnaby, says he's able to take care of stress by making a plan for each day. "Every morning I set out what I'm going to do for the day. That way, even if I get behind, at least I know what I'm supposed to finish. It helps [a lot]."

Haoxin Sun, a junior, mentioned compartmentalizing time. "Set aside a time for work and a time for play. When it's work time, you work. When it's play time, go have fun and don't think about work."

Compartmentalizing your time will certainly allow you to balance out enjoyment and work.

A common consensus amongst the freshmen living in AMR II is that exercise can help relieve a lot of stress. It doesn't take much out of your day, even as little as a 15-minute stop at the Rec Center can help. We are lucky to have this great facility open to us: From basketball and badminton courts to treadmills and weight rooms, nearly every form of exercise is available. Find an activity you like, and head on over!

In addition to the wonders of exercise, many studies have shown that music can ease the mind and help you concentrate on the task at hand.

Take it from biophysics major Jack Aguilar, who says he listens to music while doing homework or preparing for exams. "Listening to music can really relax your mind. Artists like Jack Johnson and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are really relaxing."

Jermaine Myers, a senior and public health major, responded by saying that he likes to "go to ethnic restaurants. Trying out different foods like Thai and Jamaican and Ethiopian helps [relieve stress]. I can get away from school and hang out with my friends in a chill environment."

And there are quite a few restaurants near the Homewood campus, some of which accept J-cash.

Two freshmen interviewed both mentioned dancing as a way to ease stress. Millie Shah, a BME major, replied that she dances because "It takes my mind off of academics, and it helps me get in touch with the emotional side of my mind and I am able to focus better."

Andrew Clarke, a neuroscience major, agrees as well: "I ... put my iPod on shuffle and just dance. It releases endorphins and makes me happy and relaxed." And you don't have to be good at dancing either; just get up and start moving, it'll really help.

So the next time you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by your upcoming calculus midterm or your expository writing essay, try out one of the above techniques and see what it can do for you!

Or come up with your own unique way of releasing stress. A little less stress makes the Hopkins campus a happier place.