As we head into the last part of the semester, students may be looking for ways to de-stress from classes, friends, family and work.
Here are some suggestions:
– If you’re a kid at heart, playing video games is a great way to escape. You can go from being a soldier on the front lines in “Call of Duty,” to web-swinging in New York in Insomniac’s “Spider-Man 2.” The video game industry is worth nearly $214 billion and there are plenty of destinations into which a busy student can escape. (My favorite is Gotham City in the “Batman: Arkham” series. “Arkham Origins” is based on Batman’s early years, when our cape crusader finds there’s a bounty on his head. Other Arkham games pit Batman against Poison Ivy, Deathstroke and The Joker, who takes over an asylum.) Or you can pick a game from this list of so-called “cozy games” designed specifically for relaxation.
– If you find yourself looking to expand your gaming, think about collecting action figures. Before you roll your eyes, please understand we are not talking about dolls or kids’ toys. One of these figures – the original G.I. Joe prototype – went for $200,000 and that was in 2003. Figure collection can seem confusing, but consider just starting with figures from your favorite video game or movie.
– If you’ve never walked into a comics store, I highly recommend it. I have probably visited every town in Connecticut with such a comics store. I began by collecting the “Batman: Knightfall” storyline, but those were hard to find. I ended up driving nearly to New York for one. Yes, I spent money on gas, but believe me, finding that book you’ve been looking for feels like you have won the lottery. Will I ever sell these comics? Maybe. For now, I’m just happy to own them. Here, too, collecting can be overwhelming, so stick with what you like.
– When I’m not patrolling the streets of Gotham in my Batmobile, I read graphic novels. I think we see a pattern here.
– To break out of that pattern, occasionally, the stressed student needs to go outside. Something as simple as a walk or going to a gym can help. No less an authority than the National Library of Medicine is a great stress-reliever, even if it’s a short walk.
– It’s not too late to find a like-minded group on campus. The university also has a ton of clubs and sports. Join one of the school’s 150 clubs, which include everything from Greek life to an accounting club to a club for students who are interested in anime. As the website says, if you don’t see a club or group you want to join, start your own. I played football for years and now I’m in the school rugby club. Come join us!
Pick up one of those personal projects you’ve put aside for a while. Write that novel. Create that cake. And remind yourself that stress is temporary, as is this semester.
