Stop the stress

"I'm so stressed out!" is the college student's battle cry during finals week. \nUnderstandably, the week is a stress-filled time for many students. Exams loom and papers are due, but there are a few things students can do that will let off a little of the pressure.\nTime management prior to finals week is one of the tools many students use to keep from getting overloaded in the first place. \n"I finish a lot of stuff early so that it isn't all left to last minute; I kind of pace it out," freshman Aubrey Parker said. "And I'm addicted to frappuccinos, which helps me out." \nSome students aren't as organized as Parker, so for many, this week is filled with heavy-duty studying. Spending hours pouring over books or sitting in front of a computer doesn't do a body good, but there are ways to correct the body's study-induced imbalances.\nMassage therapist Cathy Davis advocates simple stretching to alleviate tension. Stretching the hands, forearms and shoulders loosens up the muscles used while working on a computer, and taking a quick walk will clear the mind, she said. Massaging the ears can also do wonders for stress reduction, Davis said, because the ears, like the feet and hands, are rich in pressure points, and a simple ear rub can relax the whole body.\nDavis has seen a boom in her business in the last week, and cites massage as one of the most beneficial things a student can do to alleviate stress. \n"My business has doubled (because of finals)," Davis said. "Massage increases circulation, the tension will lessen and the muscles will move back to normal. It also helps mentally. A mind will race at 100 mph if you drink coffee; your mind and body will be revved up. Massage gives you time to come down, it gives you space to focus. Mentally, it clears out the clutter." \nAnne Reese, director of Health and Wellness Education at the IU Health Center, also noted an increase in students seeking massages.\n"We get a huge jump in interest in an already very popular service," Reese said. "Unfortunately, we cannot fit everyone in that wants a massage. Some students sign up for finals week and the week before early in the semester. They are planning ahead to give themselves a great stress break."\nHealthy eating, an exercise program and drinking plenty of water all help to keep stress levels down. Exercise -- whether running, swimming or participating in other sports -- is great for lessening tension, but the most beneficial when already stressed may be yoga. \nAccording to www.allayurveda.com, a health Web site specializing in yoga, "Yoga eases away pent-up tension, rejuvenates the body and soul, and enhances concentration." \nRecreational sports offers two seven-week yoga courses each semester and holds a drop-in Yoga Sampler at 4:15 p.m. every Thursday. Both programs are available at either the SRSC or HPER.\nReese advocated a healthy lifestyle year round but emphasized that it can be especially beneficial during finals week.\n"A lot of times during finals people just give up on exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, yoga and other activities that help them feel calm and balanced because students believe they don't have time for these activities," Reese said.\nUnion Board is doing its part to relax students by holding a massage clinic 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in the Indiana Memorial Union's East Lounge. Students will receive free 5-minute massages from a qualified masseuse.