How to Destress This Fall Season

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BOO! Happy Spooky Season Boilermakers! It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of scary movies or fun-sized candy bars, there’s something none of us are a fan of: stress. October can be a stressful time for everyone, whether you’re a high school senior that just sent in their college applications or an engineering student here at Purdue drowning in midterms. But don’t fear, I’m here with all of my tips and tricks to de-stressing this fall!


Go to the CoRec/Exercise


I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again: exercise isn’t just good for your physical health, it helps your mental health too! When I’m stressed, I love to go up to the basketball courts and shoot hoops for around an hour. It helps me to focus on something else while also working off that nervous energy. Luckily, here at Purdue we have a great spot working out in the CoRec. While I’m on the basketball courts, others are on the treadmills, bouldering/climbing walls, lifting, or even in the pool! The CoRec also offers yoga classes, light therapy, and other resources to help with your mental wellbeing. Additionally, you don’t need to go to the CoRec or work up a huge sweat to get a workout in. Even just a nice walk around campus to see the leaves change colors can help relax and calm you.


Find your community


This is by far the most important piece of advice that I can give anyone. Oftentimes, stress can make you feel lonely, which only leaves you feeling worse. Finding a community not only helps you work through the loneliness, it can also make you feel better about anything you may be struggling with (because a lot of times, we’re all on the struggle bus together). Once you find your peeps, the de-stressing part is easy: talk to each other. Share your concerns, your fears, your anxieties. Though it may seem daunting, you’ll likely find that you’re all worried about the same thing and THAT IS OK. You’re allowed to be scared, but nine times out of ten, talking about it will help you realize that whatever it is, isn’t actually that scary.


Take care of your body


In order to keep your mind relaxed, it often helps to keep your body feeling fresh as well. Sleep is important, and too little of it can make your brain act funky and end up making you feel more stressed or anxious. Try to create a sleep schedule (you may feel like a first grader with a bedtime, but I promise that it’s for your own good) and try to enforce it. If you’re tired, don’t be afraid to take naps. Additionally, keeping up with your hygiene and general daily routine will help ease any stress you may be feeling. It provides a sense of normalcy and stability when you’re in a time of chaos. Even something as simple as taking a nice shower can help you feel clean and restored. The idea is to keep your body refreshed so that your brain can focus!


Do something that makes you happy


Though it may seem strange, don’t be afraid to reward yourself. When you’re struggling, do the little things to make yourself happy. A treat is ok as long as you don’t make too much of a habit of it. For example, it’s ok to have one or two Wiley chocolate chip cookies after your dinner, but it’s less ok to have 10 (although I’d completely understand if you did– those things are delicious). You deserve to be happy, and you deserve the things that make you happy!


Purdue CAPS


Purdue CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) is your on-campus resource for mental health help. They have counseling, as well as programs for financial and academic wellness. They are accessible 24/7 through their crisis line. Additionally, you can schedule appointments or walk-in if you are in crisis. CAPS is located at PUSH (Purdue University Student Health center) on the 2nd floor from 8am to 5pm. The main line number is (765)-494-6995. You can visit CAPS online and explore all the resources they have to offer at https://www.purdue.edu/caps/.



Well Boilermakers, I hope that you take the time this October to set aside your fears and frights and instead focus on maintaining your mental health and de-stressing. Remember: when in doubt, chill out! Boiler up!

If you have questions, comments or want to find more about ways too destress during the semester, tag us, leave a comment, or follow us!


Gabi Layman, FYE '26

Recruitment Project Committee Blog Team


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