10 Ways to Destress on Campus

First, a disclaimer: This article will not help you eliminate stress. Instead, let’s consider that stress is a spectrum where some stress (i.e., eustress or “good stress”) keeps us motivated and excited whereas too much (i.e., distress or “bad stress”) leads to symptoms of burnout with which many of us are familiar. Stress elimination is a daunting task, but management is possible. Inspired by teachings from Indigenous and Black wellness practitioners, such as Chesley Luger and adrienne maree brown, here are a few suggestions for how to tip your stress scale back into balance.

What first made you excited to come to Princeton? To take a particular class? To apply for a specific position? What attracted you to a particular friend, or what made you set the goal for yourself to wake up early in the morning? Your motivations are signals for you to either persist or pivot. Check in with yourself about why you are devoting your time to an endeavor, and what you hope might be the outcome. For instance, I find myself stressed when I am doing something that feels inconsistent with my values or goals. During these times, I evaluate whether the difficult moment is part of the journey towards my greater ambition or a sign that I need to move on. Try having a similar conversation with yourself, a Religious Life chaplain, or a CPS counselor, when you are feeling overwhelmed. 

Often, we subconsciously associate spaces with certain emotions such that stress and anxiety can feel particularly infectious. Notice how you feel when you enter certain spaces and who is around you. Maybe the Firestone Library carrels create too stressful of an environment or perhaps you know that study sessions with certain friends will induce too much anxiety to be productive. Even social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or Reddit, can cause stress. Figuring out which people and spaces best fit your emotional needs in a given moment is a dynamic process that never quite ends, but it can become a flow. I find that spaces with a lot of natural sunlight, such as Stokes Library, help me stay calm and focused.

You do not have to go to the gym five days a week and go on long-distance runs to move your body. You can take a five-minute stretch break, use the stairs, take a stroll, or throw a solo dance party in your room. Lean into joy and peace through movement. Campus Rec group fitness classes and intramural or club sports are fun ways to stay active, and Outdoor Action hosts rock climbing, hiking, and other activities regularly. You could also explore the greater Princeton area by walking down Nassau Street into the neighborhood or, my personal favorite, taking the towpath along Carnegie Lake. Give your mind space to wander as you move, and you may find yourself refreshed when you return to the situation that initially stressed you out.

Connect with a spiritual practice that resonates most deeply with you. Try going to spaces where you can be alone and reflect. You may find that fellowship with others— joining a student religious group or attending a campus mediation session— can help center you. Have faith that a difficult moment can be part of a greater plan for your life. Taking care of your spiritual well-being can elicit a new perspective on a stressful situation. 

Everyone has one! Art is healing via creating or appreciating music, photography, film, drawing, painting, dance, theater, cooking, sculpture, fiber arts, or writing. You may drop by a club event, such as a paint night with Princeton Sketchbook, spoken word performance by Ellipses Slam Poetry, or knitting circle hosted by the AccessAbility Center to explore something new. If you want to dive deeper into the arts, you could attend a dance class or “Try on Theater” audition hosted by the Lewis Center for the Arts. You might even take a break from a task or situation by journaling, mixing beats, or doodling. Regardless of the specifics, think of your younger self and do something generative without judgment. 

You do not have to do everything perfectly. No one does. Even the most successful people make mistakes, experience drawbacks, or face rejection. This does not mean you don’t have to strive to excel. You got into Princeton because you are a high achiever. You can put forth your best effort towards each assignment, match, performance, or relationship, but your best might look like just getting through it. Try to show yourself the love and grace that you show others. Be imperfect.

You might rush while eating lunch, brushing your teeth, or walking to class, but that frenzy can exacerbate stress. It may feel counterintuitive but try slowing down to wash your face — take deep breaths as you massage the suds into your skin and gently allow the water to rinse the soap away. Give yourself a few minutes of doing nothing between meetings — no phone or homework, just you. As you walk to rehearsal, try to observe something in your surroundings that you have not noticed before. Transforming routines into rituals can help you feel grounded and appreciative.

Seek meaningful interactions that fulfill you, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. People who care about you want to support you. Sometimes they will want to reach out but might be afraid of overstepping if they sense you are struggling. A relative or friend might be able to relate to your situation and offer insight, if not connect you with someone who could help. However cliché: You are not alone and not meant to struggle alone. Sit, eat, or participate in an activity with someone you trust and let whatever words that describe how you are feeling simply flow out. There are several peer leaders open and excited to chat with you, such as RCAs, PAAs, RGSs, SIFP Mentors, PUMP Mentors, AccessAbility Center Fellows, Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) Peer Educators, SHARE Peer Advisers, Student-Athlete Wellness Leaders, and Peer Health Advisers (PHAs).

Ask yourself: “Have I drank enough water today? When did I last eat a vegetable? Do I feel rested?” Our bodies are 60% water which we lose through day-to-day activities, not just intense exercise. Our bodies use the nutrients we get from food to create new cells, facilitate neural connections, and maintain homeostasis. Without proper hydration and nutrients, our bodies don’t function well, and we become more susceptible to illness and injury. Our bodies need time off to flush out toxins, consolidate information, and build muscle. We need consistent sleep. Take care of your body: It is the only one you have, and you might be surprised just how much your physical state can affect your mental health. If you want help finding foods that energize and satisfy you, make an appointment with a University Health Services dietitian.

You do not have to do everything. Delegate tasks to team members, ask for an extension, go to a McGraw tutoring session, or take a semester off from competing or performing. Check in with yourself about what you have the time and energy to do, then try to communicate that capacity to the appropriate person, be it a classmate, professor, family member, or coach. This capacity will change by the season, due to illness, or for no identifiable reason, which is fine! It is best to be transparent about how you are genuinely doing, rather than trying to push on business as usual. If you aren’t sure how to go about an inner check-in, try voicing your concerns to a PHA who can offer insight, or just listen, over a free cup of coffee.

This list is neither comprehensive nor prescriptive but a guide for your unique approach to managing stress. Stress, like other emotions, is a natural part of life that does not have to define you or your measure of success. The “grind” does not have to be the default. Instead, take a deep breath, and take one step at a time. You will get through this. You can thrive here.