10 Suggestions for Dealing with Stress

Finals looming? Feeling stressed? Ten UW College of Arts & Sciences students share their tried-and-true approaches for relieving stress. 

1. TAKE OHHHMMM MOMENT TO RECHARGE.

“Yoga and meditation are life savers. Headspace is one of my new favorite apps. It leads you through a daily mindfulness meditation session.” 

Tia Petersen, Dance and Musical Theater major

2. SHAKE THOSE HIPS.   

“One thing I do to blow off steam is dance. Being a part of the UW's African dance team helps me connect to my roots, blow off steam, and spend time with others who love dancing as well.” 

Abari Charles, Sociology major, African Studies minor, Entrepreneurship minor

3. GET YOUR ZZZZZZZs.

“For me, getting a good amount of sleep is really important. I have studied for one hour after getting a good night's sleep and been more productive than if I study for several hours while I'm tired.” 

Payton Wagner, Cinema & Media Studies major

4. FORGET ABOUT SCHOOL

“When I get stressed out by school and stuff, I go out and eat good food and go to a concert with my friends to have fun. (A key point here is you need to forget about school.)”

Taehyeon (Ted) Lee, Political Science major

5. REACH OUT TO LOVED ONES.

“My family back in Thailand keeps me grounded. It’s important to talk to your family and friends and not lose touch with them, especially if they do not live in Seattle. We college students have such a fast-paced crazy lifestyle that we often overlook the valuable, meaningful connections we have with the people we love the most.” 

Bhuri (Tim) Tiasevanakul, Psychology and Law, Societies & Justice major

6. GET OUTSIDE.

“One thing I like to do is just walk to a park. Some of my favorite places are Ravenna/Cowen Park, the Washington Park Arboretum, the Union Bay Natural Area, and Gasworks Park. Even walking through campus can be relaxing.” 

Andrew Baron, Geography major

7. HIT THE GYM

“Exercise! I practice with my team (I play for the women’s club ultimate frisbee team) and work out with friends and solo. The IMA has a climbing gym, a pool, an indoor track, and all the usual gym equipment, so it’s a great way to destress and get my mind off exams or homework.”

Rachel Jecker, History and Biology major

8. MAKE TIME FOR MEDITATION

“Meditation is the technique I use very often. It forces me to calm down and focus on my breath and the current moment instead of constantly thinking about "I should've done this at that time" or "what if that happens in the future." Plus, mediation is easy to use, like grabbing a cup of coffee when you get tired.” 

Gloria Long, Psychology major

9. A PLAN FOR RAIN OR SHINE

“When I get stressed I have a couple go-to things around UW to relax and remember life is good. When it’s a nice day out, going over to Gas Works Park to read a book or look at the Seattle skyline is great. When it’s overcast or raining, bowling at the HUB, and hitting golf balls at the UW driving range always settles me. When I’m stressed but really do need to get work done, I go to Cafe on the Ave or Cafe Solstice to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.”

​Adair Warren, Microbiology major

10. MOVE SOME MORE

“To destress, I like to be active. I try to dance, play soccer, or workout almost every day. I also love to sing, which can be a helpful way to decompress if I’m feeling particularly emotional. I will also try to remind myself that, as long as I have studied hard and tried my best, there is nothing to be ashamed of.” 

Alder Strange, Biochemistry, Psychology, and Musical Theater major