The end of the academic year is bittersweet. You're almost done with another rigorous semester, and summer fun is on the horizon.
But now the time crunch is on, and the pressure of keeping up with the workload can be overwhelming. Before you stress out, try to take a positive approach.
Maybe you need to get out aggression through a cardio sweat session, or hit the weight room.
But if you prefer a gentle form of stress relief, try these herbal remedies and meditation to enhance your mood and exercise your mind, body and soul.
Sip
Before you reach your boiling point, boil a pot of water instead. Herbal teas such as chamomile can have a calming effect, helping you de-stress when you feel like the college workload is more than you can handle.
Sit, sip, breathe, organize your plan of action and know that it will all be okay.
Chamomile tea not only soothes your mind, but also your stomach. It can solve digestive problems you may be facing from eating the cafeteria food and fight nasty nausea.
This tea is also great to use at bed time because it is calming. So if your roommate snores like a 65-year-old man with a bad head cold, it will help you tune them out and get some rest (with the help of ear plugs or an iPod).
Smell
Aromatherapy uses essential oils - extracts from plants in their purest form - relieve stress and promote better health.
Lavender and geranium alleviate stress and anxiety, while lemon and peppermint fight fatigue and exhaustion.
These are natural (and legal) herbal remedies that can help you relax.
You can even create your own mini steam room. Boil water, add a few drops of the oil in, and inhale the steam.
The fragrance will not only invigorate your senses, but will act as a natural air freshener.
Soak
The luxury of a bathtub is not possible in all college living situations, but if you're lucky enough to have one, it can be a great place to sit back and relax.
Water by itself has many natural healing powers. The warm water can help relax muscles and ease tension.
A quick stop in the beauty aisle is all it takes to find refreshing bath and shower gels or bath salts, which help cleanse and moisturize skin.
Essential oils can be added to a bath for aromatherapy.
You can set the mood for complete relaxation by lighting candles and playing low music.
It may sound cheesy, but you'll be surprised at how pampering yourself for only 15 to 20 minutes can take the edge off stress.
Soothe
At Hopkins, peace and quiet are hard to come by. Your roommate may have the music blaring, ambulance sirens may be screaming throughout the night or you may be able to hear the people in the apartment above you.
Whatever the situation is, you'll find that complete silence for a few minutes a day to reflect can ease your mind.
Start with five minutes of silence and concentration. Focus on your breathing, making your inhales and exhales equal in length.
Imagine that you are breathing into areas of tension like your neck and shoulders, and exhaling that negative energy out of your body.
Raise your arms over your head in a smooth and controlled movement as you inhale.
As you breathe out, release your arms back to your sides as you reach your fingertips towards the walls of the room.
Be conscious of how your body feels as you breathe and move. Being in tune with your body can help you relax and be aware of the effects of stress on the body.
Just wait - when all the papers are handed in, and the finals are done, you'll forget about the stressful moments and be able to enjoy some downtime.
