Ten Tips for Stress Management

The first week of classes is undeniably a stressful period of time. After a month long break of sweet treats, refreshments (and debauchery?) we are displaced back into academia. Following is a list of tips compiled to help YOU navigate your new syllabi with ease:

1. Have an orgasm. In sexologist Beverly Whipple's book, "The Orgasms Answer Guide," she discusses the benefits of orgasm backed by results of scientific studies conducted by Carol Rinklieb Ellison (2000) and scientists at Groningen University in the Netherlands, among others. One limitation of this source is that it explores only female orgasm, but evidence is clear and conclusive: Orgasm reduces stress and anxiety producing instead feelings of warmth and relaxation.
2. "Bye, Felicia." Avoiding people who cause you to feel anxious is worth the extra few steps it takes to avoid them. If you feel your jaw tightening when a certain coworker is around, make an effort to distance yourself from your coworker (respectfully, of course!).
3. Face shots at Bridger. By no means am I encouraging you to skip your Consumer Behavior class for a powder day, but I am encouraging you to "ditch part of your to-do list" as the Mayo Clinic puts it. Once you prioritize your tasks, and you have completed the "A" and "B" tasks close your laptop and treat yourself to something you enjoy. Your tasks upon return will seem less daunting after you have refreshed. 
4. Breathe. About two years ago now I received my yoga teaching certificate, which completely revolutionized the way I approach life. Here are two quick breathing methods to release stress while studying. Method one: Breathe in through your nose. Draw your breath deep into your low belly (below your belly button). Breathe in as slowly as you can until your lungs are at capacity, then pause at the top of your breath. Release your breath out the mouth even slower than you inhaled, and repeat. Method two: While inhaling lift your shoulders all the way to your earlobes. Upon exhalation, release your shoulders slowly and completely. 
5. Get support from trusted friends, family or a professional. Venting to people who you trust can help relieve you of the burden on your shoulders. This can be as formal as seeking a psychologist, or as informal as chatting with friends over dinner.
6. Yoga. Yes, I already mentioned yogic-breathing, but the practice of yoga itself has benefits as well. Moving as little as 20 minutes per day can significantly reduce stress levels, advises Forbes. Movement does not have to be yoga, it could be swimming, walking, lifting, basketball, ect...
7. Lower your standards. And by this I mean, set realistic goals for yourself. Focus on progress, not perfection. 
8. Sleep. "Sleep is so crucial that even slight sleep deprivation or poor sleep can affect memory, judgement and mood." Although it is tempting to pass out at 4 am and wake up with a triple-frappe-spresso-BLAH at 6 am, it is not healthy or efficient. Source of quote: American Psychological Association.
9. LOL (laugh out loud). According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter just may be the best medicine. The clinic cites pain relief, mood enhancement, and increase in personal satisfaction as benefits, among others (read full article here).
10. Play with Fido. Until recently, there has been little conclusive research on the positive interaction between humans and their animal companions. Current research reveals strong correlation between pets and lower stress levels. Put down your pencil and play with a Frisbee!
11. Make Stress Your Friend. This is my personal favorite. In her Ted Talk on stress management, Kelly McGonigal reveals the connection between stress and your perception of it: Stress affects you how you BELIEVE it will.  In marketing research classes, we learn about eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress), but nothing quite as revolutionary as "stress belief," as Kelly McGonigal refers to it. Her fifteen minute video will change how you think about stress for good.

How do you combat/perceive stress? Do you resonate with one of the tips above, or have another method? I'm anxious to hear!