Stressed?

It's that time of year again; second semester is just starting to pick up but you're finding yourself feeling a bit down.

            The stress of your new workload may be at an all time high causing your immune system to weaken ultimately affecting your overall health.

            "I'm still just trying to get myself settled into my new schedule," said freshman atmospheric science major Alex Waslienko. "I haven't quite found my groove yet but my professors aren't going to wait for that to happen."

            It's important to try and stay as stress-free as possible to avoid becoming sick. There are a number of ways to lessen your level of stress; you just need to find what works best for you. Trying to stay organized has always been an obvious method but if that's not enough there are a few other things to try.

            For instance a good diet is crucial in maintaining a healthy body but it can also help you manage your stress. A simple way to feel more relaxed is to eat foods that contain whole grain; in doing so your brain will release serotonin which is known to give off a sense of well-being. If staying stress free isn't enough and you do start to feel under the weather try vitamin C.

            "I'm always drinking my orange juice. I love the stuff, and the fact that it keeps my immune system up is just an added perk!" said freshman Rostik Eberlie. 

            Also try your best to avoid any fried foods that are rich in fat because they tend to weaken your immune system. 

            Working out is another proven way to ease your mind and sweat out all that built up anxiety. Lady Hornet Amanda Martin says, "Basketball is my way to distract myself from everything. It's one of the few times I can just focus on something other than my school work and have fun."

            If you're not on a sports team or a member of one of Lyndon's intramurals there is still another option for you to get your body moving.  The school's fitness center is open six days a week with hours posted on the schools website. Try to fit in a workout as often as you can and use any frustrations you may have from friends, work, or that one professor that doesn't seem to agree with you and use it as motivation.

            College can be tough but if you can find a way to manage it all you will get the greatest benefit from it. You're bound to feel overwhelmed at some point but knowing what works best for you will help you push through.

            Keep in mind it all starts with a deep breath.