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Study Efficiently Using the Pomodoro Technique

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If you find yourself struggling to finish assignments before the deadline or getting to exams wishing you had found the time to study more you are not alone. Many students struggle with managing time for their studies, and in today’s interconnected busy world it is no wonder.

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Virtual study spaces with lo-fi music

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mixes music instrumental hiphop lofi lofi-hiphop jazz jazzhop chillhop study chill relaxing beats student "lofi girl" university relaxing

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🎶 | study - chill - sleep - repeat 🎧 | Listen on Spotify, Apple music and more → https://bit.ly/lofigirl-playlists 💬 | Join the Lofi Girl community → https://bit.ly/lofigirl-discord → https://bit.ly/lofigirl-reddit 🌎 | Lofi Girl on all social media → https://bit.ly/lofigirl-sociaI

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Online winter-themed games to play

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Fashionable Frosty Fox Game: Dress the fox by accumulating gems to buy the clothes. Watch out for the icicles and rolling balls of ice.

Whack-a-Mole...in the snow: Whack all the moles you can within the given amount of time. Watch out the ninjas and the ufos. Please don't whack the grandma mole.

Ski Game: Guide the skier down the hill and capture the gold flags without running into any obstacles.

Snow Drive: Keep driving in the snowy weather without running into the other cars.

SNOWMEN GAMES!
Find the Differences: There are ten differences between the two pictures. Can you find them all?

Snowman Travels: Keep the snowman from reaching the top and coming near the sun.

Snow Words: Build a snowman by guessing the snow words.

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Fashionable Frosty Fox Game: Dress the fox by accumulating gems to buy the clothes. Watch out for the icicles and rolling balls of ice. Whack-a-Mole...in the snow: Whack all the moles you can within the given amount of time. Watch out the ninjas and the ufos. Please don't whack the grandma mole.

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Virtual study spaces, lo-fi music playlists, and more!

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"study with me" "study live" study studywithme studywithem pomodoro "study vlog" "study music" "focus music" "music for studying" "study with me live" "pomod...

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Welcome to SUNY Canton's library databases. Use of these databases is restricted to currently enrolled students and current campus faculty and staff, and requires you to login if your are off-campus. Use the same login as for the campus network, your NetID.

Each person's username is printed on his/her official schedule. The default password for each user has the formula ddMonXXXX, where:

dd is the two digit day of birth

Mon is the first three letters (first letter capitalized) of the month of birth

XXXX are the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number (for students enrolled in campus before Winter 2011) or the last 4 digits of Banner ID (for students enrolled in campus on or after Winter 2011).

When you change your password, the change will also be reflected when logging into the databases.

If you are having password issues, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@canton.edu or 315-386-7448.

If you have questions please email Jess Spooner at the SUNY Canton Southworth Library or telephone 315-386-7228.

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Welcome to SUNY Canton's library databases. Use of these databases is restricted to currently enrolled students and current campus faculty and staff, and requires you to login if your are off-campus. Use the same login as for the campus network, your NetID. Each person's username is printed on his/her official schedule.

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Let the folding fun begin! There is a whole bunch of amazing and easy origami for kids with step by step folding instructions waiting for you on this page. All of these origami tutorials are suitable for beginners and kids!

We are sure you are going to love each and every one of these paper folding designs featured as all of them are oh-so pretty! You can make them with origami paper or with plain printer paper, both work out really well.

*this post contains affiliate links*

A ton of ideas for easy origami for kids!

You can do these with any kind of paper although we do recommend you use origami paper for many of these paper folding ideas as they really shine when made with patterned paper. On top of the origami folding diagrams, we also have a ton of our own printable papers, which will make these simple origami even better.

Can't wait to start folding? Neither can we - so let's jump right into the folding waters.

1. Cootie Catchers - Chatterboxes

Some call them cootie catchers, others call them fortune tellers (and we are sure they have a few more names) - whatever the name the fun stays the same! These are one of the coolest origami for kids to make as once they are done with the folding, they can play with their puppet (these are super popular in kindergarten).

Grab the printable shark cootie catcher template and let the folding fun begin!

Love these? We've got more

Browse our fun cootie catcher designs.

2. Origami Bookmarks

These origami corner bookmarks are a great project for beginners (of all ages as they are so fun to make). Once your kids fold the basic corner bookmark, they can decorate it and transform it into many different characters.

See the monster bookmarks folding instructions.

And here are a few more ideas for these

3. Bunny Origami for Kids

These bunnies are insanely easy to fold and to make this one even more fun we also made a template origami sheet with a bunny face.
See the folding instructions for the origami bunny and grab the template here.
4. Paper Boats

One of the most popular origami for kids - let them learn how to make paper boats. These are not only fun to make but they also float on water.
Learn how to make a paper boat.
5. Origami fish - Great origami for toddlers and preschool

These are beyond cute, aren't they? One of the easiest paper folding projects out there this one is great for the youngest kids that don't yet have the necessary fine motor skills to tackle some of the other projects.
Check the folding instructions for origami fish.
6. Dog Face

We've even prepared a printable template for this one so it's easier to fold it than ever.
See the step by step tutorial for making an origami dog face
7. Origami Tulips (with the stem!)

If you want to make an origami flower, starting with a tulip is the way to go! The blossom is perfect for beginners and the stem isn't hard to do either.
See the step by step tulip folding tutorial and print the diagram
8. Foxes

Who loves folding foxes?

We have an easy to follow step by step fox folding instructions ready for you here.

9. Jumping Frogs

A childhood favorite project - paper frogs that jump when you press on them. Super fun!

See how to make an origami frog that jumps!

10. Lucky Stars

You can easily get addicted to folding these, they might feel challenging when you start, but with each star made (and they are quick to make) things become easier.
See how to make them here.
If your kids are cat persons (as I am hehehehe) they will love folding these paper cats.

This one will be loved by all the little ninjas around the world - a transforming star!

See the instructions here. What do We do All Day

And here is another version of these little jumping cooties!

See how to fold a paper frog! It's Always Autumn

This swan is jet another great origami for beginners - easy to fold and looks pretty!

See the folding instructions. Red Ted Art

Hop, hop goes the bunny! Your kids will love making this fluffy animal and you can even top this project with a pom pom for a tail.

See the origami bunny folding instructions. Tinkerlab

Hear them flutter!

Learn how to make origami butterflies. Red Ted Art

Not technically an origami but this little snake craft will give the little hands a decent warm-up on folding.
Learn how to make accordion snakes.
Love elephants? Fold one!

Check out the folding instructions to make an elephant! Hodge Podge Craft

How about a bunch of colorful cubes?

Make origami cubes! Origami Mommy

This one can be adorable or a bit creepy (in a fun artistic way that is!)

See how to make a blinking eye! Kids Activities Blog

You can easily make an awesome looking bear too!

See how to make one! All for the Boys

Origami rings? Oh yes!

Honestly, what's more fancy than your own paper folded jewelry? You won't be able to stop making these!

See how to make fancy rings. ZakkaLife

These are really great around Valentine's day but there's nothing stopping you from making them all year round!

See how to make hearts. The Connection We Share

How about making a few of these cute birdies?

See the instructions. Red Ted Art

Can't you just see a bunch of folded human faces your kids are going to make? These really look great, don't they?

See the folded paper faces instructions. Pink Stripey Socks

You could make a whole fairy village with these!

See the origami mushroom instructions. Krokotak

There are many fish in the sea... And your kids can make as many as they want!

Follow these simple origami fish instructions. Childhood 101

Want instant access to all of our printable crafts, activities, and resources?

With thousands of crafts, activities, worksheets, coloring pages, and drawing tutorials to print, you will always have just the resource you need at your disposal. Perfect for parents and teachers alike!

Sign Up Now and Start Printing!

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Browse through these 20+ extremely cute origami for kids - all with step by step instructions perfect for beginners.

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Course details

Find time for fitness. Learn simple yoga and stretching exercises you can do at your desk. The instructors at Desk Yogi have adapted traditional yoga poses into exercises that are suitable for the office. Follow along and learn basic stretches, bends, and exercises that help you improve your posture, strengthen your muscles and joints, increase blood flow, and keep you feeling strong and energetic throughout the day. This simple daily investment in your body-a program you can complete on your lunch break-will carry your through the work week and beyond.

Note: This course was created and produced by Desk Yogi.

Earn a sharable certificate

Share what you've learned, and be a standout professional in your desired industry with a certificate showcasing your knowledge gained from the course.

Certificate of Completion

Showcase on your LinkedIn profile under "Licenses and Certificate" section

Download or print out as PDF to share with others

Share as image online to demonstrate your skill

Instructor

Desk Yogi is a wellness platform providing training on yoga, fitness, mindfulness, healthy eating, and more.

Desk Yogi founder Jacqui Burge has been studying, practicing, and teaching yoga for over twenty years. She also had a desk job at Lynda.com, a fast-growing company with 500+ employees. As her corporate demands grew, she found it hard to attend lunchtime yoga classes or make it to the gym. To get her equilibrium back, and to inspire others in similar situations, Jacqui started streaming live 10-minute wellness breaks for fellow employees. Word got out, and soon staff from all over the globe were logging on to her video lessons to grab a moment of meditation and movement in the middle of their day.

In less than a month, the twice-a-week sessions reached 120 attendees with a waiting list to join. Shocked at the popularity, Jacqui realized companies everywhere could offer her short wellness videos-on-demand during the long work day.

In 2015, from this basic knowledge, the idea for Desk Yogi was born. With former colleagues from Lynda.com and a team of experts in health, fitness and meditation, together they developed the content and functionality of desk-yogi.com, providing an integrated portal to deliver a simple wellness solution.

Today, Desk Yogi is used by corporations, small businesses, and individuals around the world, providing a comprehensive wellness platform built around state-of-the-art instructional videos on topics including yoga, fitness, mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction, healthy eating, workplace ergonomics, and productivity to all employees in any workspace, at their pace, no matter their fitness level.

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800,523 people watched this course

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Chair Work: Yoga Fitness and Stretching at Your Desk Online Class | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com

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Find time for fitness. Learn simple yoga and stretching exercises you can do at your desk. The instructors at Desk Yogi have adapted traditional yoga poses into exercises that are suitable for the office.

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Home > Tutoring

Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester. The Betty J. Evans Tutoring Center will offer virtual tutoring sessions via Teams in addition to face-to-face tutoring within the Southworth Library Learning Commons. Please check back regularly for scheduling updates.
Microsoft Teams:
Log in to Teams using your SUNY Canton e-mail address and password, or navigate to Teams using the app menu in the web-based version of SUNY Canton e-mail. Select "Join or Create Team" and enter the code for the desired lab as indicated below.

For help getting started with Microsoft Teams, please refer to this brief video or our Teams Tutorial. You can also reach us at tutoring@canton.edu.

Business & Accounting:M-F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enter Code: 2lezcsz to join

Writing Center: M-F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enter Code: 40y0fmr to join

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM Lab):M-F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Including: Nursing, Vet. Science, Physical Therapy, A&P, and Gaming
Enter Code: is3trvw to join

Late Night Learning Lab: Starting September 6,2020: Sundays: 1 p.m.-midnight, M-Th: 5 p.m.-midnight
Enter Code: lh7ymc2 to join

Fully online tutoring and resources are also available on our Online Tutoring & Resources page.

Free online access to Grammarly, an online proofreading and editing tool, will also be available for additional writing assistance.

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Home > Tutoring Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester. The Betty J. Evans Tutoring Center will offer virtual tutoring sessions via Teams in addition to face-to-face tutoring within the Southworth Library Learning Commons. Please check back regularly for scheduling updates.

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Extraordinary displays of violence have been part of the video games industry for two decades now. This is proving hugely successful for games developers, and popular with players, but this form of violent escapism isn't exactly classed as "relaxing games". Like with books, video games have several genres out there and some of the less violent games can provide a great number of benefits to you too.

The following selection of relaxing games online will help you find some inner peace. They will relax and calm you while promoting stimulation for tired minds. They offer a healthy amount of dopamine as well, giving you enough excitement and rush that you'll want to be coming back to them.

These relaxing games are all minor masterpieces of chilled-out enjoyment that can help calm you after a busy day, or hectic morning. They do so by ridding you from the stress of modern life into blissful escapism for but a moment. It's perfect for those who want to be winding down! Best of all, these stress relief games are free to play!

Top 10 Stress Relief Games

1. Flow

First up is the eerie, calming experience of Flow.

Starting out as a tiny organism - basically a mouth and a torso - you have to swim around in blue gloop consuming other tiny organisms.

At times you'll find that eating something has changed your creature. Whether it's a metamorphosis or accelerated evolution is irrelevant; after ten minutes your body will be longer, and you might have sprouted legs and other appendages and you'll be chasing an even larger quarry.

It's not all forward motion; some of your soupmates will nibble bits off you too, but with some rudimentary diversionary tactics you can save your bacon.

All of this is reminiscent of the early stages of the game Spore.

It's lovely to play, and the music and simplistic design makes it an immediate and striking experience.

2. Home Sheep Home

This sweet little puzzler is found on the Shaun the Sheep website (for those not in the know, it's an animated series created by Aardman Animations, the people behind Wallace and Gromit).

The wonderful physics engine makes this game a dream to learn as everything feels very natural; you're supplied with three fully controllable sheep of different sizes.

You have to work out how to get Timmy (tiny), Shaun (medium size), and Shirley (heavily overweight) over to the barn on the right of the screen using the swings, see-saws, ramps, steps, switches, and other paraphernalia lying around.

You'll be hooked to Home Sheep Home in no time by the adorable characters and laid-back style of play. This is by design of course as puzzle games ramp in difficulty in later stages. Even if you're stumped in those later stages, the overall design makes it one of the most relaxing games to play.

3. Flower Reaction

Fauna-based fun abounds in Flower Reaction, where each level begins with a number of little flowers floating around the screen, bouncing off the edges.

Your cursor is another flower and when you click, it stops and blooms to about ten times its size for a few seconds. Any flowers that bump into it also do the same, and any flowers that touch them do the same.

The aim is to time the first one so that you get the largest chain reaction, hence the name. It's an excellent stress relief game simply because you can get a dopamine rush whenever you trigger a large chain. Flower Reaction also provides different coloured flowers with their own unique abilities as well. These abilities are things such as lingering longer or growing massively for a second.

There is enough variety to these abilities to cause various combinations and create potentially larger chains. This is of course on top of the different colours being visually appealing to players.

With the unique colours and the simplistic mechanics of the game, it's another one of the solid relaxing games to play online.

4. Casanova

You're a giraffe - at least in - trotting eastwards as a procession of other giraffes trots westwards. Each one has a neck of a different length, and all you have to do is click and hold the mouse button to extend yours so your heads meet for a kiss!

The whole point of the game is simple: land a smacker on the lips of the other giraffes as often as possible while collecting floating bonuses along the way. Between that element and the 70s sitcom theme tune plays jauntily in the background it's so adorably cute it should be illegal.

The colours and the music make it one of the most relaxing games around.

5. Little Wheel

Point and click adventure games come in all varieties, and for a time, a lot of video games were essentially that. These games sent you on journeys to find unique characters, gather various items, and complete oftentimes convoluted puzzles. The only issue with those ones is that the particularly tricky and illogical ones wouldn't be considered relaxing games if your objective is to play something quick and easy.

This is what makes Little Wheel stand out amongst the multitude of point-and-click games. It is the sheer beauty and atmosphere the game's makers One Click Dog have created here.

The graphics are striking enough to win awards and are reminiscent of another game called Limbo. Little Wheel goes a step farther through the addition of a slinky jazz soundtrack. Unlike the eerieness of Limbo (on top of the violence that your character could face in that game), the graphics and music set the scene for a 1920s Chicago, neo-noir theme.

As for the objective, you have to work out how to get your robot across town to return power to the vicinity. You are given several options that you have to piece together to get you to that end result. Mentioning anything more beyond this would spoil the experience so I'll stop there. Nevertheless, it's one of those stress relief games that is worth considering.

6. Sleeping Tiger Jigsaw

Jigsaw puzzles are forever world-famous for their addictive nature. For centuries, we've enjoyed opening up boxes of puzzles and putting together the images. And of course in more recent times, puzzles have developed into 3D puzzles, allowing us to build elaborate models.

The only issue with puzzles is the fact they can take up so much space. Thankfully, there are several online solutions that allow people to reap the benefits of putting puzzles together without worrying about the space. Introducing the Sleeping Tiger Jigsaw.

It is no different from any typical jigsaw puzzle box you'd open up. This game is pretty much what Charles Babbage had in mind when he invented the programmable computer - a way of doing jigsaws when you haven't got a table or the space.

As the name of this game suggests, this is a pure jigsaw puzzle game so if you've ever done one, then an explanation for what to do is really not necessary. What is necessary though is the complexity of these puzzles as they do take up a bit of time to complete - roughly an hour. So if you'd like to wrack your brain over these puzzles and like a challenge, mesmerize yourself with this jigsaw puzzle and frankly a relaxing game to play with family.

The other perks of this being online is the fact that the game can enhance certain experiences. For example, the pieces snap together satisfyingly when you place them next to a rightful neighbour, wherever they are on the screen. That sound gives a nice rush of dopamine that of course makes us want to be doing more of it. In the end, this game is nothing new, however, it is a well-executed version of an age-old pastime and sometimes that's all great and relaxing games really need. Get yourself a tea and listen to your favourite music as you play if you've got the time to spare.

7. Drifting Afternoon

Here's another Ferry Halim classic: Drifting Afternoon. If you're not familiar with Ferry Halim, he developed a website called Orisinal in 2000 and used the platform to develop 62 Adobe Flash games (as of January 2018). This game develop specializes in fun 2D experiences that bring creative game ideas to honestly online relaxing games to play.

He has several titled games, but for this list, I'm focusing on Drifting Afternoon. As with all this maestro's work, it's a joy to behold, looking more like a watercolour painting than a game. That theme makes it one of those chill games to play that you can lose yourself in.

The action takes place on a palpably breezy day, and you have to aim with your mouse and jump your puppy (or it could be a kitten) from balloon to balloon as they drift by, before your time runs out.

You get points for landing on balloons and bonus points for jumping over them, and every so often a special balloon tops up your time - if you can land on it.

With a simple objective like that along with the overall theming, it's both an exciting game, but also another one of those great stress relief games.

No guns, no violence, just a breezy experience.

8. Bejeweled

Even though this timeless classic is over a decade old, Bejeweled gets a mention as there must still be people who haven't played it.

Even so, there are several games out there that have taken this model and changed it into something else. One popular example is the game Candy Crush.

Unlike Candy Crush though, Bejeweled is more simplistic than that. All you have to do is swap the positions of pairs of jewels to make unbroken sequences of three, four or five identical jewels. Once the sequence is complete they'll disappear, spawning replacements as those above them drop into their spaces.

What makes the game also nicer is the opportunity for power-ups when you line up four, or five or even six jewels at once. These net you higher scores on top of those additional perks.

This game is so reminiscent of Tetris, that it's addictive. And what drives this to being one of the greatest and relaxing games to play is the fact the sounds are delightful and create a sense of satisfaction. It's a wonderful dopamine rush paired with excitement since you are on a timer.

9. Fireboy and Watergirl

This puzzle game can be tricky, but it delivers on satisfaction when you do it right making it an incredibly chill game to play. The missions you face are fairly straightforward to grasp: guide Fireboy (who hates water) and Watergirl (who hates fire) around the onscreen challenges until you reach the conclusion.

It is similar to Home Sheep Home, though with different elements at play here.

Expect lots of switch operating, box-pushing, see-saw running, and light-beam guiding in this game. This puzzle game will present all kinds of challenges, but you can also expect Fireboy and Watergirl to wow you with their laid-back charms as well.

10. Echogenesis

Put your headphones on and immerse yourself in the wonders of Echogenesis. The visuals come from nature; swamps, forests, coves, and the like, whilst the sounds are created by interacting with the various life forms that you come across.

This is a purely relaxing game as the visuals fully immerse you into those worlds. It's a truly delightful experience as it provides a nice balance between the beautiful graphics and the luscious stereophonic orchestration.

Unlike the other chill games to play on this list, there isn't a prime objective. Nor are you able to win or lose from this game. The whole objective - if you want to call it that - is you must experience and influence the worlds you see. Ultimately, this is all about making a relaxing tale of exploration which is unheard of in video games.

Featured photo credit: Unsplash via unsplash.com

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10 Relaxing Games to Play Online to Help Chill You Out - LifeHack

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Ten relaxing games you can play for free online. This is great fun, and good for your health! Try them and feel more relaxed out of your busy work.

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There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
Having trouble deciding what to work on?

Well, there's a popular time management analogy called the "rock, pebbles, and sand story."

In this article, I will briefly retell this story and then dive into a few key lessons about how to apply this information to your life.

( Side note: Another positive way to improve your life is to read and learn something new every day. A great tool to do this is to join over 1 million others and start your day with the latest FREE, informative news from this website.)

Related Video: Rock, Pebbles, and Sand Analogy

The Rock, Pebbles, and Sand in a Jar Story
Here is a quick background on the rock, pebbles, and sand in a jar story (This story appears in many forms, some even incorporating a fourth element of water. However, its original source is unknown. So consider the following to be a metaphor instead of an actual person who said the following.)

A philosophy professor once stood up before his class with a large empty mayonnaise jar. He filled the jar to the top with large rocks and asked his students if the jar was full.

The students said that yes, the jar was indeed full.

He then added small pebbles to the jar, and gave the jar a bit of a shake so the pebbles could disperse themselves among the larger rocks. Then he asked again, "Is the jar full now?"

The students agreed that the jar was still full.

The professor then poured sand into the jar to fill up any remaining empty space. The students then agreed that the jar was completely full.

The professor went on to explain that the jar represents everything that is in one's life, which we'll explain in the next section...

Is the Jar Full? A Breakdown on This Story

The rocks are equivalent to the most important projects and things you have going on, such as spending time with your family and maintaining proper health. This means that if the pebbles and the sand were lost, the jar would still be full and your life would still have meaning. (If you'd like to learn more about how to figure out what's important in your life, read this article on 137 life lessons.)

The pebbles represent the things in your life that matter, but that you could live without. The pebbles are certainly things that give your life meaning (such as your job, house, hobbies, and friendships), but they are not critical for you to have a meaningful life. These things often come and go, and are not permanent or essential to your overall well-being.

Finally, the sand represents the remaining filler things in your life, and material possessions. This could be small things such as watching television, browsing through your favorite social media site, or running errands. These things don't mean much to your life as a whole, and are likely only done to waste time or get small tasks accomplished.
So what's the big lesson with the rock, pebbles, and sand in a jar story?
The metaphor here is that if you start with putting sand into the jar, you will not have room for rocks or pebbles. This holds true with the things you let into your life. If you spend all of your time on the small and insignificant things, you will run out of room for the things that are actually important.

In order to have a more effective and efficient life, pay attention to the "rocks," because they are critical to your long-term well-being.

While you can always find time to work or do chores, it is important to manage the things that really matter first. The rocks are your priorities, while the other things in your life are represented by pebbles and sand.

In order to stay productive and efficient in your personal and professional life, it's best to have a maximum of five rocks in the jar at any given time.

These rocks may represent a project you want to accomplish, spending time with your loved ones, spending time with your faith, focusing on your education, or maybe mentoring other people. Your top five big rocks need to go into the jar first or else they will never get in at all.

Final Thoughts on the Jar Story...

If you are able to identify the important things in your life ahead of time and set aside the time you need to work on them, then in the long run it is okay to procrastinate a bit on the "pebbles" or the other projects that are not as important.

The jar is still full with five rocks in it, so that is where your focus should lie in order to continue to live a full, happy life without over-obligating yourself. If you solve the big issues first by putting the rocks in the jar first, the small issues can still fall into place. However, the reverse is not true.

Finally, if you'd like to learn more about how to make effective decisions on what's actually important in your life, then I recommend checking out these articles on our website:

Finally, if you want another positive way to improve your life, then read and learn something new every day. A great tool to do this is to join over 1 million others and start your day with the latest FREE, informative news from this website.

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Is the Jar Full? The Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand in a Jar Story

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Having trouble deciding what to work on? Well, there's a popular time management analogy called the "rock, pebbles, and sand story." In this article, I will briefly retell this story and then dive into a few key lessons about how to apply this information to your life.

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These fun and effective ideas will help when anxiety is getting the best of you.

I don't know about you, but even in normal, not particularly chaotic times, I know when I'm stressed-my shoulders tense up and fuse with my ears, my digestion gets wonky, and according to my boyfriend and kids, I become especially delightful to be around. Stress looks different for different people, but it's usually some version of your brain and body crankily pushing back against all you're trying to manage.

The question is, what can we do to relieve stress, especially if we're stuck inside? Because not to stress you out further, but both chronic and acute stress can have negative impacts on our health, and can lead us to engage in less-than-wise escapist habits.

"When we think about the body on stress, it's really fuel for the fight-or-flight response," says Debra Kissen, Ph.D., the co-chair of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America's education committee and co-author of Rewire Your Anxious Brain For Teens. This is helpful when we have to get in gear to, say, lift a car off a small child or flee an ax-wielding horror movie villain. "It's just that when our brain continues to feel that we're in danger when we're not, that stress starts to create all kinds of physical and emotional problems." Add anxiety -dread and worry about what may happen next-and that doesn't help our stress levels.

But which stress-relief activity will depend on what you're experiencing it at that moment, says Kissen. Are you climbing out of your skin, or is your mind racing? Do you have physical pain, or are feeling overwhelmed? "Having a toolbox of different techniques ready to go when you realize you're stressed is really important," she says.

That's why we asked the experts for their best stress-relieving activities that you can have at the ready, even if you can't get outside.

2 Do something tactile

Getting out of your head and into your senses (in this case, your sense of touch) can bring you back to the here and now, says Kissen. Whether that's popping bubble wrap, sorting your change jar to cash in at the bank, or making homemade slime with the littles, it brings you back into your body. Or you can try this quickie exercise. "Ask yourself: What's one thing I can smell, one thing I can taste, one thing I can touch, etc.," says Kissen. "Activating all the senses is a good grounded technique."

3 Give yourself a massage

4 Point your brain at a problem

If the stress is more mental than physical and you feel your mind looping around itself, give yourself a discrete task, such as organizing your shoes or doing a word puzzle. "When you're stressed, your brain may be saying, 'we've got a problem to solve' so it keeps spinning. That's a good time to engage your mind," says Kissen. If you give it a task to focus on, you'll feel calmer and be better able to deal with what's actually stressing you out.

5 Dance like no one is watching

6 Take a bath

Run a bath and sink on in. "By changing the body temperature, it's the full sensory slowing down-it's kind of like rebooting a computer that has all these windows open doing too much processing," says Kissen. "By turning it off and starting again, it'll help to get unstuck." If you like, add in some other calming sensory stimulators, like fragrant soap or some chill music.

7 Try knitting

Assuming you like crafting (Kissen emphasizes some people are overwhelmed by the mere thought!), there's evidence that the repetitive action of clicking your needles can be meditative and calming. There's also been research that looked at women with anxiety who also had eating disorders that found knitting made most of them less preoccupied and anxious. If you're a newbie, check out these DIY tutorial videos from We Are Knitters, which also makes easy beginner kits.

8 Go ahead and stress bake!

Baking checks so many stress-reduction boxes: It can be a sensory experience (smushing the dough, the smell of baked yummies and of course the taste); it is a project that requires planning, concentration, and mindfulness, which activates your brain; and if you enjoy it, it's fun. Kate Merker, Good Housekeeping's Chief Food Director, loves this amazing blueberry sweet roll recipe, but if you've had enough sugar, move on to a healthy pizza recipe. "It feels comforting and you can literally put anything on top of pizza dough," she says. "My kids help shape the dough, which is just fun, and they get a kick out of me twirling it in the air." And if you're stressed by the fact that no eats the same thing in your house? "Everyone can pick and choose their own topping," Merker adds.

9 Stretch yourself

10 Meditate-or even just consciously breathe

12 Go on a cleaning binge

Giving the inside of your pantry a good wipe-down or really getting into the sofa cushions with a vacuum attachment has multiple stress reducing benefits on top of fewer visits from icky vermin: it's a project that requires a little planning, but some physical activity-both of which Kissen says can reduce stress-and is likely to result in a sense of achievement that lifts your mood. And working mindfully at it can reduce stress even more: one study found that folks who were told to stay gently focused on what they were doing while washing dishes boosted their effect (although being mindful while you do most any activity may show similar benefits.)

13 Do progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Years of research have found PMR helps reduce anxiety and calm breathing. Lie down and relax, and then tighten, hold and then release each muscle in your body, one at a time, starting with your toes and moving up to the crown of your head. Do this slowly and methodically, and don't forget the muscles of your face. It may be more relaxing to listen to someone else walk you through the exercise. Visit this link to find audio, video, and scripts that you can record and then playback to yourself.

14 Doodle

You don't have to have any skill at art to just let your pen have its way with the page, or even easier, pick up an adult coloring book. "Anything that can get you out of your head, if you enjoy it, can be a stress reliever," says Kissen. If you're not focused on how good the drawing is, then the stakes are blissfully low.

15 Get lost in a story

It may be hard for some people to dig into a good book when they're feeling stressed, but binging on a super-absorbing podcast or TV series that transports you out of your life is a positive distraction. "Whether it's a podcast or a really dumb series, mindfully attending to a target is a great anchor," says Kissen. In other words, the point isn't simply to distract yourself, but to make an active choice to place your attention elsewhere, she says. The mind, says Kissen, thinks, "If only I keep thinking and thinking I'll solve the problem and get out of it," and choosing to anchor it elsewhere can stop this stress response.

Original Post: GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
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15 Stress-Reducing Activities You Can Do at Home, According to Experts

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I don't know about you, but even in normal, not particularly chaotic times, I know when I'm stressed-my shoulders tense up and fuse with my ears, my digestion gets wonky, and according to my boyfriend and kids, I become especially delightful to be around.

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5-Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere | Goodful

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Student Life

Today's college students are feeling the strain of our busy modern world.

In fact, 45% of college students said they experience "more than average stress," and 87% said they felt overwhelmed by all they had to do at least once in the previous year, according to the American College Health Association-2017 National College Health Assessment.

The effects of stress are, well, stressful themselves. Upset stomach, headaches, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping are common effects of stress, Mayo Clinic reports, as are irritability, restlessness, and depression. Some people turn to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and food to deal with stress, but overindulging in these things leads right back to-you guessed it-more stress.

We know that trying to juggle college with the demands of family, work, and life can get a little crazy. This infographic showcases some stress management strategies for college students. Take a deep breath and enjoy.
The College Student's Guide to Stress Management [Infographic] Content
Take an already-busy life that may include work and family obligations, add college classes and studying, sprinkle in exams, budgeting, and other interests, and then try to have a social life on top of it all...However, it's not all bleak. Let's look at some ways college students can alleviate stress, succeed in college, and live healthy, balanced lives.
Eat Well
Did you know that an unhealthy diet can increase your stress levels? When you eat healthy, you equip your body with the nutrition it needs to fight stress. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods and go easy on the caffeine.
Exercise
This is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress. Exercise produces endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that act as natural painkillers, and it also improves sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Try walking, jogging, or yoga.
Have an Outlet
You need a break most when you believe you don't have time to take a break. Find a new hobby, play sports, paint, draw, garden-do something that gives you an outlet from the tension of everyday life.
Build a Support System
Having a strong support system is vital to weathering stressful times and living a joyful life. Surround yourself with family and/or friends who lift you up, encourage you, listen without judgment, and provide sound perspective.
Make a Plan
Get organized, make a plan, and stick to it. Prioritize your obligations each week and then schedule time for each-time for studying, working, family and friends, and yourself.
Think Positively
Your thoughts create your reality, and it's time to turn negative thinking around. Try saying positive affirmations such as, "I am relaxed and calm; I can handle this situation with ease" or "I will rise to the challenge, no matter the obstacles."
Meditate
Meditation is a simple way to lower stress that you can do anywhere, at any time. Begin with a simple technique such as deep breathing, do a guided meditation (find these on YouTube), or repeat a mantra.
Try Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils to improve one's physical and emotional well-being. Lavender, lemon, jasmine, bergamot, and ylang-ylang are all reported to lower stress and anxiety.
Journal
You may already know that journaling helps you process life's problems and deal with everyday stress, but did you know it may also strengthen immune cells and decrease the symptoms of asthma and arthritis? Give it a shot.
If Stress Gets Too High
Everybody needs help from time to time. If you're experiencing depression or anxiety, if you're unable to sleep or enjoy life, or if you're turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, it's time to ask for help. Reach out to:

Your university's counseling services

Your student advisor or a resident assistant

Doctor or therapist

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline 1-800-662-HELP

The American Institute of Stress

211.org

Stress Stats

The top 3 mental health concerns facing college students are anxiety, depression, and stress. Center for Collegiate Mental Health 2017 Annual Report

45% of college students say they experience "more than average stress." American College Health Association - 2017 National College Health Assessment

87% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do at least once in the previous year. American College Health Association - 2017 National College Health Assessment

Sources: http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/how-to-eat-right-to-reduce-stress https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st# https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858 https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445

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The College Student's Guide to Stress Management

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Take an already-busy life that may include work and family obligations, add college classes and studying, sprinkle in exams, budgeting, and extracurriculars, and then try to have a social life on top of it all...Take a deep breath, and then read these stress management tactics for college students.

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Her Campus | HerCampus.com is the #1 global community for college women, written entirely by the nation's top college journalists from 380+ campus chapters around the world.

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It's so easy to get caught up in the craziness of day-to-day life, and sometimes it's great to take a break and do a fun craft. Here are 5 easy and stress-relieving crafts to do for when you're feeling overwhelmed and need a break!

1. Tape Resist Watercolor Painting

My sorority did this at our fall retreat and I absolutely love how mine turned out! Just be sure to press the tape down really firmly, or else the colors will bleed through!

2. Flower Initial

All you'll need for this is scissors, cardboard, a hot glue gun and some fake flowers from any craft store! Cut out your initial and glue on flowers for a super cute and easy room decoration!

3. Painted Cactus Rock Garden

This craft is honestly perfect for me because I am horrible at keeping plants alive but I think cactuses are so cute! Now I can just paint rocks to look like cactuses and I don't have to worry about them ;)

4. DIY Dry Erase Board

You could go so many different directions with this idea! You could make a shopping list to put on your fridge, to-do list for your room, a calendar for important dates, or anything else you can think of! All you will need is a picture frame, scrapbook paper and dry erase markers!

5. Washable Sharpie Mugs

This is such a cool idea to brighten up a boring coffee mug! With sharpie paint pens, use a stencil of your initials or just freehand a design, put the mug in the oven for half an hour and it's done! This would be a great gift idea, too!

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5 Fun and Stress-Relieving Crafts | Her Campus

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It's so easy to get caught up in the craziness of day-to-day life, and sometimes it's great to take a break and do a fun craft. Here are 5 easy and stress-relieving crafts to do for when you're feeling overwhelmed and need a break! 1.