Relax, relate, RELEASE!

These three words can mean more than meets the eye. Everyday, college students face various aspects of stress. Be it school, work, or even social lives, all can weigh heavy on the average college student.
It is very important to learn to relax. Ironically, many people have the slightest idea how. Don’t fret, help can be as close as your own space.
Here are some tips to help you wind down:
Pray or meditate.
Concentrating on your daily stresses and asking for guidance works wonders. Also, don’t forget to count your blessings. You may just find out you’re not so stressed after all.
It’s great being a kid.
Do something you enjoyed doing as an adolescent. No matter how silly it may be, a game of hopscotch or simply jumping rope can lift your spirits. Also, break out the coloring book. Concentrating on something as simple as coloring in the lines can help you forget all concentrating on those stressful things, if only for a moment.
Bring the spa home.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a spa treatment. Retail beauty supply stores have a great variety of massage oils, facial masks, pedicure and manicure kits and so much more.
Listen to relaxing music.
Make a tape or CD of some of you favorite songs that make you get in total “chill mode.” Bring it along in your car. You would be surprised at how much you can decrease your chances of displaying “road rage.”
Write it out.
Take out a pen and paper and write. It doesn’t matter if it is a short story, poem or song. If you’re not feeling creative, write a journal entry or a letter to yourself. The latter may sound a little strange, but give it a try.
Read a favorite book or get to know a new one.
Escape in the plot of a favorite novel. Heard about a new one on the best sellers’ list? Give it a try.
Breathe easy.
Right where you are just stop and take several deep breaths. Breathe in through your nostrils and exhale through your mouth. Do this at least ten times.
Take a nature walk.
Put on the tennis shoes and take a good old-fashioned walk. Visit a lake or another body of water and just take it all in.
Be athletic.
Like basketball, football or tennis? Get out and play. Get your buddies together and just get out and have fun.
Everyday relaxation.
Decorate your apartment or room with candles, mini-fountains, or whatever you feel to be relaxing. Personalize your space with accents of your personality. Be as comfortable as possible in your “retreat.”