5 Stress Relievers for the Over-Programmed Sorority Girl

There is no doubt about it: college girls are busy, especially us sorority girls. Between our weekly chapter meetings, exchanges with other frats and sororities and the daily hassles of work and class keep our schedules packed full. We all have to let off steam at some point, so when it’s your time to relax, try some of our stress relievers to make your free time worth while.

1.)   Watch a movie: Whether you check out a new movie at the local theater or snag a new release from the Redbox around the corner, watching a movie can be a serious mood changer. Taking a break from your normal, hectic life in order to take part in someone else’s exciting love life will make you happy and feel better about that pile of work you have to do. Grab a few sisters and a bag of popcorn to make it a group movie night. There is nothing in the world that cannot be remedied by your sisters, cute movie stars and some well deserved junk food.

2.)   Exercise: I know what you’re thinking. The last thing you will feel like doing after a long day of College Algebra or Chemistry is a run on the treadmill, but trust me, you will feel better after. Running a mile outside in this beautiful fall weather will not only lift your spirits, but will also help your body feel better and make you feel more confident about that Halloween costume you have your eye on.

3.)   Naptime: Everyone loves to nap. Seriously, there is nothing that brightens my day more than when I have an hour or two to lie in my bed and take a slumber. If you don’t have time during your week to have a consistent naptime, be sure to take a few minutes out of your day to rest your eyes and breathe for a bit. Perhaps even listen to some calming tunes on your iPod. You will feel so much better after a little R&R and will be more prepared to take on the daily challenges.

4.)   Read a good book: Recreational reading can be a lot of fun. As college students, we are so often forced to read textbooks that drone on and on about meaningless definitions and facts. But, by picking up a book, whether it is re-reading a past favorite or picking up a new title, reading will allow your mind to relax and drift away for a while. Double points if the book is funny. Anything by Chelsea Handler will do the trick.

5.)   A night on the town: Sometimes the best remedy to a long week is a fun night out with friends. Dinner, a classy cocktail and good conversation will improve your mood in no time. Try going to a new dance club or hang out at a new casual spot off of campus. Sometimes getting away from the official university buildings can allow you to take a deep breath and realize you are ready for some much needed fun.

What are your favorite stress relievers? Do you have a go-to activity to make you relax?

Igniting the Savvy Co-ed’s Musical Mind

I’m sitting in my room listening to the monsoon occurring outside my window. Air conditioner turned off; I’m throwing caution to the wind. Let the summer heat engulf me, I’m embracing these abnormal temperatures. Lights dimmed low, shuffling through my iTunes, it’s the perfect way to honor this storm. I have carefully chosen five songs of differing artists and genres that will either present an escape from the storm raging in your mind, or take you to the heart of it, inflaming your temperament. If you need more, I have 9.6 days worth of music that I would be more than willing to spew to the world.

The Dreaming Tree – Dave Matthews Band

Of course Dave (I figured after years of worshipping this God of a musician, I earned the right of a first name basis) not only makes the list, but rests firmly at the top. This tale of song cuts deep to the soul, with its heavy underlying darkness capturing your mind. Illustrating a loss of innocence, it forces us to reflect back on our personal memories, relating to the song’s characters. After all, we are in college; our innocence is long gone.

Heart Shaped Box – Nirvana

Mmm…Nirvana. There’s something about this song that I find so…sexy. Kurt Cobain captivates my full attention with his opening single notes followed by a raw chorus filled with raunchy chords. The founding father of grunge, Nirvana makes me envious of those 90s co-eds.

A Movie Script Ending (acoustic) – Death Cab for Cutie

Acoustic version is the only way to dig it as the sheets of rain force you to relax and reflect. Ben Gibbard’s honest voice compliments the melodic repetition throughout the chorus, creating a flawless atmosphere of tranquility.

Comptine D’un Autre été – L’ap – Yann Tiersen

Sometimes words are too much; your pulsating mind doesn’t need the crowding of someone else’s thoughts. In these unavoidable heavy times, cloud your mind with the compelling work of Yann Tiersen. This double-edged sword will either let you escape yourself for two-and-a-half minutes, or fuel the fire burning in your mind and soul, causing you to take a deeper look at your plaguing thoughts.

Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

And as the clouds disperse (since summer storms bring only a quick relief to our busy lives) and you begin to see that hazy sun, turn up your speakers for this prodigiously gorgeous song. It’s simply beautiful. The voices of Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos are so endearing and pure, they put you in a trance of wonderment. Such innocent lyrics about perfect love, this song has played in my mind throughout my past few months of travel.

“Home is wherever I’m with you…”

Kate Dopazo is an intern with College Lifestyles and a senior at the University of Maryland. With this post, she hopes to spark new musical interests within her readers.

1,000 Words Will Trump a Picture Every Time

My last two posts have been about my recent trip to France. But this one is about before going. I get a package in the mail with carrots and a penguin drawn all over it (it’s an inside joke), so I immediately know it’s from my big, we’re weird enough to draw penguins and carrots to each other. Anyway, she had gotten me this beautiful journal, an antique and gilded map decoration with a moving inscription inside. Since my big LJ is an English major, I’ll copy what she said and then get to my point, she puts it more eloquently than a PR major like myself can:

“If you ask me, a thousand words will trump a picture every time! PS. Sometimes a blank page is more useful  than any other person could possibly be when it comes to tough times or hard decisions—probably because to the last, it’s you!”

Now I’ve never been a big journal-er, thought it was weird that you are writing to yourself. But she has a point, it is you, no one knows you better. I was nervous for this trip, for the first time. I’ve traveled a lot, flew alone at 8 for the first time (Why they thought putting a sign saying “Unaccompanied Minor” on me still baffles me tho…), but this France trip had me nervous. I was finally in a stable relationship with my boyfriend of 6 months, finally at peace with a lot of my insecurities, so I was scared what going away for 2 weeks might do. So I wrote.

It was strangely (to me at least, a journaling skeptic) therapeutic. I looked forward to being able to write down my journeys and thoughts about the day and put my feelings about things totally unrelated to France and even my own experiences down on paper. I wrote through emotions and confusions and thoughts till the page was full with run on sentences and words that didn’t exactly match up, but to me, it made perfect sense. It was my own train of thought documented, it reminded me of James Joyce’s “Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man”.

While other people nosing through it (it doesn’t have a voice identifying lock…darn) will probably be confused with my circular writing to get to my point, but it makes perfect sense to me. Now, I’m not a person that does stuff for myself, I usually put others first and forget about myself, but I didn’t care that my journal was mine, only for me, only in my writing and for no one else, there were no rules I had to abide by, no pleasantries needed, if I was upset, I could let it show.

So here it is, straight from me to you, from a person who let all the journals and diary birthday gifts go into hiding under the bed. Try writing because there really is a zen experience. Let me know how it goes when it’s just you, a blank page, and a pen.

-–Audrey is a PR major at Marquette University. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega.  A lover of travel, reading and movies of every kind.

A Savvy Co-Ed’s Guide to Truly Relax This Summer

As savvy co-eds, we are often incredibly busy people with things going on all the time. In fact, as I was talking to my little sis yesterday, she made the comment that telling the two of us to relax and do nothing is like telling us not to put on mascara or drink caffeinated beverages…completely impossible.

So, one of my goals this summer is to figure out how to truly relax and stop feeling the need to run around all the time.

• Read a book for fun. When was the last time you read something completely for fun? Not for class, not because you felt obligated to read it, or because it would benefit your life in some other way, but just for fun. Take the time to head to the bookstore or the library and read something completely for the joy of it. Sometimes even a mindless beach read is just what you need to get your brain to shut off from whatever is stressing you or to inspire you to take a moment to breathe. And in the summer there are so many beautiful places to read! Enjoy the sunshine in your backyard, by the pool, at the beach, at the park, or take advantage of a local coffee shop for an hour. Check out Kaitlyn’s latest post for a great book suggestion!

• Enjoy the outside. Okay, everyone who knows me is going to think that I had my brain switched out, but even though I may not be nature’s biggest fan, I can still appreciate what a good hour outside can do to relax me. Spend some time just sitting outside and really take it in. No phone, no computer, no book, just you and the outside. It’s also a great thing to do with a friend. Spend time relaxing, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company. It’s amazing what an hour spent in a comfortable environment with someone you enjoy can do to slow you down.

• Pamper yourself. Taking time to take care of yourself is essentially what relaxing is all about. Christine’s College Lifestyles Spa post is a great way to start this!  One of my favorite things to do to take a moment is painting my nails. So grab a new nail polish, facial scrub, or shampoo, and take a little time to remind yourself how great you are. When you feel put together and taken care, of it’s amazing how much more relaxed you feel all the time!

• Do something you know you love. When we are so busy with work, summer classes, and catching up with friends and family this summer, it can seem like everything is an obligation to someone else. Get back to a hobby you love! Whether it’s scrapbook, crafting (check out new ideas in Kendall’s crafting post!) , cooking, or dancing, take the time to get back to what you love. For example, I love to dance, and when I run myself too crazy and can’t get to a studio, I can tell that I’m much more stressed. However, if I just take sometime to move around my room or the basement, I can instantly tell that I am much more at ease with myself and my life.

We have this time in the summer off for a reason, so use it to take care of YOU! Before you know it, you’ll be running to classes and meetings and wondering what you did with your months to relax. Take just an hour 2 or 3 days a week to really relax and see how it makes you feel. I know I’ll be doing the same. : )

Karen Woods is a recent graduate from Millikin University and a proud member of Delta Delta Delta. She is still learning how to stop running around all the time and relax.

Take a Trip to the College Lifestyles Spa!

Have fun relaxing and pampering yourself with an “at home spa!”  Dedicate an entire day to your College Lifestyles Spa so you can veg out after a rough week, or so you can get ready for that big date, simply just follow a few tips here and there so you can always be beautiful and relaxed.  I was inspired to write this blog after reading CL Intern Audrey’s article “Your Classy, Fun CL Summer…FOR LESS!”  (http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/06/cl-summer-sips-refreshing-drinks-to-keep-cool/) Following these steps at home, instead of going to a real spa, will save you LOTS of money!  Enjoy some time by yourself, or invite your sisters and friends to join you in your “spa!”

Step 1:  Meditate

This is a great way to relieve any stress from your life.  I try to do this whenever I am stressed, even if I am not having a spa day!  Find a quiet, exclusive area, and find a comfortable area on the floor to sit.  Add some scented candles to make the room have a more relaxing vibe.  Close your eyes, and deeply breathe.  Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Try to make your chest go out as much as possible as you breathe in, and feel your belly expand as you breathe out.  Think of images and sounds that relax you.  I always envision crashing waves at the beach, and think of the sound that they make.  It is amazing how this simple technique can make you feel so much better!

Step 2:  Cleanse your Body with Spa Food!

As you enjoy your day of relaxation, you do not want to be bloated, irritated, or uncomfortable.  So, avoid eating any carbonated beverages (even if they are diet!), fried foods, or foods high in refined sugars, which all will leave you feeling sluggish and puffy.  Drinking plenty of water will keep you feeling hydrated, and will contribute to your relaxed feelings.  But, since you are having a “spa” day, keep it exciting, and ditch the plain bottles of Poland Spring, and enjoy a glass of pretty spa water!

To make spa water, fill a pretty quart-sized pitcher with ice and water.  Thinly slice one cucumber and one lemon into circle shaped pieces, and add them to the water.  Next, finely chop ten fresh mint leaves and add them as well.  Give it a good stir, and enjoy!  This will keep you hydrated, relaxed, and it will help to keep your skin clear!  Also, it is just more fun to drink!!!

To continue with the theme of pretty, energizing, hydrating foods, enjoy 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, topped with slices of orange, mint leaves, and a small drizzle of honey!  (I always try to cut the oranges into circles rather than wedges because it just looks prettier!)

For more spa food ideas, check out CL Intern Samantha’s article “CL Summer Sips: Refreshing Drinks to Keep Cool” (http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/06/cl-summer-sips-refreshing-drinks-to-keep-cool/) for healthy frozen drink ideas!  Her recipes look delicious and fun!

Step 3:  Take a Dip in a Colorful, Fragrant Bath!

Filling your tub with bath salts is a great way to relax and to just have more fun!  Buying them in the store can get expensive, but making them at home is sooo easy!  To make the salts, you will need 1 cup of Epsom salts, and ½ cup of Kosher salts.  You can leave them white and unscented, if you wish, and it will help to make your skin smooth, and will keep the bath water warm, or you can add coloring and fragrance.  Simply add a few drops of food coloring to make it colorful.  Be careful not to make the color too strong, as you can stain the tub, but if you accidentally add too much coloring, simply add more salt!  To make the salt scented, you can buy extracts at the grocery store, and add half of a capful to your salts.  Some great scent ideas are to add peppermint extract, which will make you feel energized, vanilla extract, which will make you smell delicious, or coconut extract, which will give your spa a tropical twist.  Add half of your salts to your warm bath water and enjoy!  Soak up in the tub and your skin will become soft and fragrant.  These homemade bath salts also make a great, inexpensive present for a friend or family member!

Step 4:  Exfoliate Your Skin

As you wash yourself in the salt-filled tub, use this homemade exfoliator to make your skin smooth!  The exfoiliator will take off any dry, bumpy parts of your skin and will moisturize your entire body, no matter what your skin type is.  To make it, pour a quarter cup of sugar into a plastic container, and pour canola oil over it until the sugar is wet.  Mix it to form a thick paste, and gently rub it over your skin.  Then, rinse and wash it off with your favorite soap.

*This may be too harsh for your face, so just use it on your body.  It is great for elbows and legs!

Step 5:  Make a Face Mask

This homemade face mask will help to keep your skin smooth, and will help to get rid of any acne and oiliness that you may have!  Mix ¼ cup of un-cooked old-fashioned oatmeal with ½ cup of cold green tea.  Add two teaspoons of honey and mix well.  Before applying it to your face, wet your face with a wash cloth, and then massage the mixture onto your face, avoiding your eyes.  The best part about this face mask?  You have to keep it on for 15 minutes, so in the meantime, you can sit and relax, or do whatever you want!!!  Wash the mask off with your favorite facial cleanser and enjoy your beautiful skin!  The oatmeal will make your skin smooth, while the green tea acts as an astringent.  The honey will help to pull out any dirt or bacteria from your skin.

Follow these steps so you can stay relaxed, beautiful, and classy!  How do you pamper yourself at home for cheap?

Christine Palaski is an intern with College Lifestyles.  She is a proud sister of Delta Delta Delta at Adelphi University.