How to manage our stress during difficult times

Eli Loriga | Contributing Writer

With our current political climate and typical college stress, it’s easy to spiral into the negatives stemming from bad grades or stressful social encounters. We must find an effective tool to reset when we need them the most.  

The news, television, our friends and romantic relationships can all feel like they’re inevitably bound to fall apart when dealing with too much stress. So here is a list of places and activities that have helped other students at FIU, as well as myself, deal with similar feelings: 

Music is a great tool to let loose.

Whether bigger-scale concerts or live music in different environments, the experience of listening to music in itself can help reduce stress like no other. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, listening to music before stressors decrease cortisol, or the stress hormone, your brain produces. 

Check who’s coming to the arenas near you or campus in the coming months. Some honorable mentions are Louis Tomlinson, Fall Out Boys, Karol G, Sam Smith and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale also offers live shows and concerts with affordable tickets. For classic rock fans, on Friday, August 11, the venue will be hosting a tribute to Guns N Roses, with general admission priced at $13. If you plan on going with three others, it’s $9.25 per person, totaling $37 for a memorable night out. Other than live entertainment, there’s access to food and drinks inside and out. 

An honorable mention would be their Goth Homecoming on Saturday, September 9. While it includes bands and DJs, they also feature karaoke, tarot reading and a photo booth. 

I’m definitely looking forward to attending these events during my freshman year. 

Gaming might be more your style if you’re into a fun and interactive experience. Whether virtual or in person, gaming is a great tool that keeps your head busy enough that you can focus on de-stressing before you’re ready to get back out there. 

New Wave Billiards and Sports Bar is across from Modesto Maidique Campus at 1403 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174. It offers an array of pool tables and snacks for those who prefer hobbies that require focus and peace of mind. Perfect for time alone or with friends. 

The bowling center Bird Bowl at 9275 SW 40th Street is also perfect for friends, with billiards and arcade games included. There’s also a bowling center in Dolphin Mall if you live in Doral called Bowlero Doral. This one has a laser-tag section for those interested in an adrenaline-inducing time.

And lastly, but never any less important, the green around us. 

Reconnecting with some greenery is a particularly beneficial tool. I’d strongly advise looking into the parks and reserves near you and planning a day accordingly. Visit with friends to play sports, have a picnic, or bring a book for alone time and appreciate our summer weather. Some good places to start would be Tropical Park and Kendall Indian Hammocks Park nearby the Modesto Maidique Campus.

Reserves are also a great place to find some peace of mind. I highly recommend The FIU Nature Preserve in MMC since it’s perfect after a stressful class.

College is a large part of what shapes the rest of our lives. For many, it’s the first time in the world as proper adults, and the responsibilities can be hard to manage. Especially when you don’t know of any anxiety-reducing tools to help you out in the process.

Truthfully, there is no secret formula to success nor an all-knowing person that can tell you what you need to do to get there. It’s about trial and error and learning from the mistakes that threaten to tear us down. There is safety in retreating to our rooms and never leaving. However, that is no way to live life or deal with real and common threats. It’s the perfect time to try new things, make mistakes and find a healthy way to cope with your anxiety. 

It is the only way to discover what we like and don’t. It is the only way where we learn that stressors are temporary. What matters is what we choose to do about them.  

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.