Relaxing is important to keep students from getting too stressed

Julie Fogt / Columnist

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is relax.

The semester is half way over and this is the time that all of the huge papers assigned at the beginning of the semester are due. The library is definitely busier and students are more stressed. This is luckily the last time that I will have to pick classes.

Registering for classes, meeting with advisors and getting all of the classes that you need is sometimes a very long task. It is worth it in the end when graduation comes and you are ready and are not having to take an extra class.

Thanksgiving Break approaches so that we may again or for the first time go home to our parents. Friends are invited for Thanksgiving and your parents get to meet them and realize that you are living a totally different life. You may have gotten a piercing or a hair cut that they won't approve of, but will get over because they only have to see you once in a while now. A break can sometimes be more stressful than relaxing.

Letting go of the everyday routine is part of relaxing. Go to class a different way. Instead of always renting a movie, go bowling.

If you are rushing or are in a fraternity or sorority go hang out with some brothers and sisters that you normally don't see. Go to a different place to eat.

All of these things will help when it comes time that you feel you cannot take it anymore. Sometimes we are so busy that we have friends we never get to see. Take a night off and go to their house. Life is hard, but you just have to deal with it. Many of us are in relationships and trying to find time for that other person is also hard.

Be careful not to put your friendships on a back burner. Your friends are the ones who helped you decide if this guy or girl is right for you. They will be there after the break up or will be at your wedding in a few years. Learning how to manage time is what college is all about. You are finally in your own pathway and nobody else is making you go to class, go out, sleep or eat. You make these decisions so just be careful to choose the right ones.

This is easy for some but can be really hard for others.

Take the time out to realize what you have and enjoy your family and friends at home for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your relationships with friends or your boyfriend/ girlfriend. Let them into your life and help you de-stress.

If you are still looking, the right guy or girl is probably right under your nose. Try not to take your stress out on others. Many people do this and this is what leads up to arguments. Use some of the other ways to calm down, so you don't explode.

Most of all, have fun and just be yourself.

Contact Julie Fogt at opinions@elon.edu or 278-7247.