6 Ways to Find Your Inner Zen on Campus

Mar 10

Mar 10 6 Ways to Find Your Inner Zen on Campus

One more week until break, one more week until break, one more week until break. We've been repeating this mantra in the hopes that it'll make the days go by faster. Does it actually? We can only hope. The unfortunate reality is that a week chock full of papers, exams and labs stand between you and a week of unending freedom. Before you start banging your head against the wall in frustration or drowning your despair in coffee and French fries, check out 6 of our favorite ways to de-stress on campus.

Meditation: Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure, reduce stress or anxiety, and increase relaxation and optimism. Every weekday morning from 8:00am to 8:20am at Rockefeller Chapel, the Spiritual Life Office hosts "20 Minutes Still". Stop by on your way to breakfast or before an early morning exam to get the day off to a good start.

Yoga in Rockefeller: Release the tension in your body after spending the day hunched over a laptop or textbook with a gentle yoga class. Offered between 4:30pm and 6:45pm at Rockefeller on Monday's and from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at Bond Chapel on Thursdays, prepare to leave feeling well-stretched and stress-free.

Coloring : Adult coloring books have now become socially acceptable, even trendy. Focusing on coloring neatly within the lines of the design (or outside, whatever floats your boat), demands your full concentration, leaving no room to focus on all your upcoming assignments. Print a few of these intricate designs and take a well-deserved study break. The best part is that when you're done, you can hang it up in your room!

Zumba: Nothing relieves stress quite like an intense workout. For a fun yet challenging sweat session, check out the zumba classes offered by the University at 6:15pm on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays and at 8:15am on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Be prepared to shimmy and shake your worries away, all set to some fierce Shakira and Beyonce.

Dat Donut at the Reg: To distract from a rough exam or to celebrate the submission of a paper, nothing does it like sugar and carbs. Check out the Dat Donut sale in the Reg A-Level on Monday from 5pm to 1am to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

Promontory Point: Now that the weather is starting to warm up (Couldn't. Come. Soon. Enough), take the time to go for a leisurely walk to the Point, only 15 minutes from campus. The exercise will help shake off any lingering stress while the fresh air and breeze will clear your head. Plus, the view of the Chicago skyline can't be beat.

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What are your favorite things to do around campus to relieve stress? Let us know in the comments below!