Managing Stress
by Piper Destiny '26
The UMass community can agree that we have found ourselves in one of the busiest times of the semester. Whether that be due to midterms, our workloads, or business. Stress from these can make it difficult to maintain motivation as we navigate through the semester. As a senior who is still working on ways to manage their own stress, here are some practices I find helpful to be mindful and center myself when I’m overwhelmed!
Make a To-Do List:
I personally enjoy making to-do lists. While these are not for everyone, for me it helps me to feel more organized. I prefer to list items based on what facet of life they pertain to, and which are the most pressing to get completed fi rst. Don’t be afraid to schedule tasks out for yourself! Also, making achievable goals has set me up for feeling successful and less anxious, and I have also split up assignments to complete them on different days, which helps me feel organized. There will often be stressful aspects of life that we cannot put on a list to complete. For managing these, I recommend my next tip, self care.
Create A Self Care Package:
One way that I have coped with stress throughout college is by being intentional about making time for self care. Doing self care looks different to every individual, but if you are struggling on where to start, here are some ideas. I have encouraged myself and loved ones to make a self care checklist. These usually include activities or actions that one can take to ground themself during stressful times. Examples can range anywhere from eating enjoyable food, calling a loved one, or watching a comfort movie. I have one I made for myself that I keep near my mirror at home, but you can also keep one you make in your dorm, or on hand, just as a reminder!
Feed that outlet that gives you mental stimulation!
What is something that fills your bucket? This may be a hobby such as social activities, immersing yourself in the outdoors or getting in touch with your creative side through artistic platforms. When I need a pick me up I like to sit down and make a collage or go for a walk near Amethyst Brook. Sometimes when we are stressed we tend to put our hobbies on the back burner to get everything completed on our to do list. Even if it is just setting a timer for 30 minutes, consider investing that time in you. Participating in hobbies you enjoy also allows your brain to release dopamine, making you overall happier, motivated and have decreased anxiety!
Hopefully these tips can help you reimagine what managing stress can look like for you. You have the support of everyone in CMASS as you fi nish out this fall semester!