Managing Stress: A Guide for College Students

Spirituality

Spirituality means knowing one's self, having a sense of purpose in life, feeling connected to others, and achieving one's full potential. For some, this means tapping into the wisdom within. For others, spirituality is grounded in experiencing nature. Spirituality is being inspired, focusing on sensory experiences, finding beauty and joy in everyday things, cherishing life, and feeling the interconnectedness of the universe.

Spirituality can help restore a sense of calm and balance when the daily grind may seem overwhelming. Many rituals associated with spirituality can be helpful in managing stress. Here are some ways to explore your spirituality and resources to help you try them out.

Free yourself from mass media. Turn off your TV.

TV Turnoff Network
Kill Your Television
AdBusters

· Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky
· Can't Buy My Love by Jean Kilbourne & Mary Pipher
· Where the Girls Are: Growing Up Female With the Mass Media by Susan J. Douglas

Reduce your consumption. Give unneeded belongings away.

Buy Nothing Day
Enough, Anti-Consumerism Campaign

· Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic by John De Graaf, David Wann, & Thomas H. Naylor
· The Better World Handbook: From Good Intentions to Everyday Actions by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, Brett Johnson, & Brian Klocke

Walk to feel connected to your surroundings.

· Walking by Henry David Thoreau
· Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit

Garden. If you don't have space, consider a windowsill herb garden.

Visit the State Botanical Garden

Practice slow food. Cook at home and eat with others you care about.

Slow Food USA

· Slow Food: Collected Thoughts on Taste, Tradition, and the Honest Pleasures of Food by Carlo Petrini & Benjamin Watson (Eds.)
· Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser

Attend services or other activities of your church or religious organization.

For student organizations, including religious organizations, view the University of Georgia's Student Organizations Directory

Learn a new skill or craft. Check out the community programs at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

Georgia Center for Continuing Education
Take an art class at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation.
Classes at Lyndon House Arts Center.

Volunteer for a special event or on a regular basis.

Volunteer Match
Volunteer 211 links volunteers with organizations in Athens

· Make a Difference: Your Guide to Volunteering and Community Service by Arthur I. Blaustein

Practice meditation, yoga or tai chi. Fitness and wellness classes at the Ramsey Center.

Ramsey Center
Check out one of the many yoga centers in town.

OTHER IDEAS

· Carry a special object with you that reminds you of what is important to you.
· Keep a diary or journal.
· Take a personal retreat. Change your routine and give yourself a break from your responsibilities.
· Travel.
· Spend time alone.

Which of these are you interested in trying sometime in the next week? In the next month?

References and Resources