As students and faculty get into the groove of the spring trimester, many people find their stress levels increasing. Some faculty and students have advice for anyone finding it hard to manage their stress.

Nancy Hughes, associate vice president for Student Services and Human Resources, encouraged students to build a strong support system.

            “Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, listen and not judge you, and encourage you,” Hughes said.

Freshman business major Josh Morrison said he is already doing just that.

            “When I’m stressed, I like to go hang out with my friends and take a breather because it distracts my mind,” Morrison said.

Gary Jackson, a freshman communication major, said that if he needs help with a stressful situation, he will go to his mom or someone close to him for help. Jackson also had some advice for students.

            “Try to keep yourself calm because freaking out will just make it worse,” Jackson said.

Kylie Milanic, sophomore English education major, said she also leans on her support group, but she has a backup plan as well.

            “I try talking it out with my close friends,” Milanic said. “If I’m still stressed, a good cry session does wonders.”

Knowing that students handle stress in different ways, Hughes also suggested that students have an outlet that can give them a break from their stress.

            “Find a new hobby, play a sport, draw, paint, garden, join a club, or attend one of the many activities on campus,” Hughes said.

Another freshman communication major, Mary-Grace McNutt, finds that music and crying are two of her go-to outlets.

            “When I get stressed, I get sad. And when I get sad, I listen to sad music and cry to it. If that doesn’t work, I go to sleep,” McNutt said.

Junior communication major Rory Pantophlet said he has several outlets to channel his stress, including drawing, playing video games, and working out.

            “[Those outlets] make me feel calm, and [they] help me come to terms with whatever I’m dealing with at the moment,” Pantophlet said.

Another junior, Holly Dunivan, who majors in business administration and accounting, has a physical outlet for her stress.

            “My first year here, I was very stressed because all I did was [go to] school and work. I decided I needed an outlet for the stress, and that’s when I got back into Brazilian jujitsu,” Dunivan said. “Picking a hobby and engaging in physical activity has drastically decreased my stress levels.”

Coordinator for Student Wellness and Accommodations Rachel Drechsler had some suggestions for students to help manage their stress.

            “What works for me is lists,” Drechsler said. “I like to have everything written down in a nice, neat list and have a timeline. That way I can schedule my time to where work is done at work, and when I get home that time is left for me and my son.”

Harrison Stone, a senior communication major and managing editor for The Trend, said he also turns to list-making. Stone has his own calendar system for his daily responsibilities. He encouraged other students to write everything down.

            “Get it out of your head and on to paper,” Stone said.

Freshman political science major Lainey Morrow said she tries several things to manage her stress, including list-making.

            “If I’m stressed, I take a nap, then I make a to-do list,” Morrow said. “If that doesn’t work, I cry for a minute to reset.”

Outside of list-making, Drechsler also encouraged students to spend some time outside every day as an act of self-care.

            “I always try to be outside for at least 15 minutes every day,” Drechsler said. “It really helps to break up the monotony of being inside all day.”

Cortni Taylor, a sophomore English major, said she agreed with Drechsler’s suggestions and also had some advice for her fellow students.

            “Make a schedule and stay prepared, but make sure to make time for yourself,” Taylor said.

Bethany Sackett is a junior at the University of Science and Arts.