Studying, working on projects, and preparing for exams can be quite stressful. To perform well in your studies, you must also take good care of both your mind and body. Below are some resources to help you relax and manage the stress of being a student.

 

Free De-Stress Kits!

May 8-11, 2023 | 9:00-11:00 AM & 2:00-4:00 PM | ISSS Front Desk

ISSS has a special treat for you as you head into finals. During the week of May 8, stop by our front desk during drop-in hours to pick up your free de-stress kit while supplies last! 

 

Counseling & Psychological Services

SJSU Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers many services free of charge to SJSU students, including:

• Life Skill Workshops, such as stress management and mindful meditation.
• Self-Help Resources
• International Circle: This small group session is specifically for international students. Please contact Dr. Minji Yang at minji.yang@sjsu.edu for more information.
• Crisis Resources: Please call CAPS during or after hours (press 4 after hours) at 408-924-5910 to speak to a crisis counselor.
  

 

Coloring

Coloring is not just for kids! Coloring can help you relax and forget about your worries as you refocus your thoughts. 

Free printable coloring pages

• Just Color 
• Art is Fun!
• Super Coloring

Digital coloring pages

No crayons, markers, or colored pencils necessary! Color online or on an app. 

• Michael O’Mara Books
• Coloring App Reviews (including free apps)
• Coloring Book Pics

 

Slime & Stress Balls

Release tension by playing with slime or squeezing a stress ball. Don’t have one on hand? Here are some Do It Yourself (DIY) videos.

• How to make fluffy slime (CNET article)
• Dish soap, shampoo, and salt slime (video)
• 5 Easy DIY Stress Relievers  (video)
• DIY 2-ingredient Stress Ball (video)
  

 

Breathing & Meditation Exercises

Our minds and bodies become attuned to our experiences of stress and anxiety, and so learning how to train your mind and body to relax through deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can be helpful to let go and release stress and tension. Meditation takes continued practice, so please consider this to be a part of your daily routine!

Breathing Exercises

• 2-minute breathing bubble from Calm
• 10-minute relax & breathe from the School of Self 
  
  

Meditation Exercises

• Guided Meditation from UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
• 10-minute mindful meditation from Calm (video)
• Insight Timer  (App) Create a free account and gain access to several mindfulness exercises
  

 

Exercise/Movement

Exercise and movement are so crucial to improving physical and mental health. The great thing is that there are several workouts with a variety of lengths (e.g., 15 min, 30 min, 45 mins)  you can access online!

Home Workouts

• Pop Sugar Fitness
• Yoga with Adriene

 

Music

Music affects each of us in different ways. You’ll need to find the kind of music that best suits you. Think about what feeling you’re trying to achieve, and then explore your favorite music streaming app to find the perfect music for your mood. Create playlists to use depending on your mood.

What feeling do you want to achieve?

• Calmness & Serenity: Search words could include: nature sounds, yoga, spa & massage, relaxation.
• Mood-lifter/Happiness: Ask yourself: What kind of music makes me happy? Gives me energy? Makes me want to sing or dance? Now go on and get your groove on!
  • Check out our YouTube playlist Spring 2020 Motivational Mix, a compilation of happy music from around the world. All songs were recommended by our Global Spartans!  https://tinyurl.com/motivational-mix-2020 
• Focus: Not sure where to start? You could try: classical, coffee house music, lo-fi beats, nature sounds, instrumental, white noise, or links that have compiled music that you can stream: Jazz music to study to.
• Sleep: If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might search for: nature sounds, spa & massage, ASMR, white noise, relaxation.