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ASPIRESPRING2016

homesick: If you’re feeling particularly stressed, whether it’s classes, studying, work or friends that have you down, going home can provide a sense of comfort. Unfortunately, going home throughout the semester might not necessarily fit into your schedule or budget. However, there are plenty of ways to maintain a healthy and happy mindset while still staying connected with family and friends at home. According to Georgetown University’s Student Health Services Center, anxiety can manifest itself in both emotional and physical ways. Emotional symptoms include feelings of apprehension or dread, trouble concentrating, feeling tense and jumpy, anticipating the worst, irritability, restlessness, watching for signs of danger, and feeling like your mind has gone blank; physical symptoms include pounding heart, sweating, upset HOW TO COPE WITH ANXIETY AWAY FROM stomach, dizziness, frequent urination, diarrhea, shortness of breath, tremors and twitches, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and insomnia – basically a whole mess of uncomfortable feelings if you’re not properly taking care of yourself. When you are having these feeling of anxiousness or stress throughout the school year, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) recommends taking a time out – “practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.” ADAA also suggests eating well-balanced meals, limiting alcohol and caffeine, getting enough sleep, exercising daily, taking deep breaths, learning what triggers your anxiety and talking to someone about it. Exploring your campus and finding out if they have a health center that offers free HOME BY ANNA SPIVAK therapy sessions or on-campus counselors is an easy way just to talk and have some listen. In fact, the JED Foundation—an organization that promotes emotional health across college campuses—recommends it. “The college years are the age when many mental health issues first manifest, and it can be a time of significant stress and pressure,” said John MacPhee, Executive Director of the Jed Foundation. “We believe that the implementation of a campus-wide approach to mental health will lead to safer, healthier campuses, and likely greater student retention.” If you find yourself still feeling like some R&R at home is what you need, don’t hesitate to have frequent Skype sessions with your friends and family, have them come visit you if possible, and, if all else fails, take a few days and make that trip home. Your mental health will thank you.


ASPIRESPRING2016
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