Triboro News

Welcome to Spring B!

Spring B is often a challenging term. Students who started in January are feeling a little run down. The college environment can present unique challenges, including navigating new social dynamics and academic pressures. It's vital to create a balanced schedule that allows for study, socializing, and self-care. Recognizing when you're pushing yourself too hard and allowing time for rest and recovery is crucial. It's not uncommon for students to experience stress-induced symptoms like headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or even more severe health issues when ignoring their body's needs.

You might benefit from the suggestions in our tipsheet on Stress Management

Breathe
Breathing is a powerful stress reliever. Easy and portable, your breath is always something you can turn to in
times of worry.

• Gently push all the air out of your lungs first, especially if your breathing is fast or shallow.
• Take three deep breaths, slowly and deliberately.
• Do diaphragmatic breathing (the best kind) by pushing your belly out as you inhale (practice this when you’re not under acute stress). This will fill the bottom part of your lungs, allowing for a truly deep breath.

The 4 - 7 - 8 (or relaxing breath) exercise
Although you can do this exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place
the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through
the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly
if this seems awkward.

• Exhale completely though your mouth making a whoosh sound.
• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
• Hold your breath for a count of seven.
• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. This is one breath.
• Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

And don't forget to make an appointment with the SLC if you need more support!