Secondhand News: Stress – So cliche
By Jordan Oliver
The word “stress” on campus at this time of the year is heard as commonly as “extraordinary”—and we all know nothing’s more common than that. Now, you can either choose one of two paths when dealing with the situation which is soon to be further explained: 1) Become trapped in the “stress snare” along with half of the student body, and may I say, the world; or 2) Think calmly, and with the realization that since everything is so-called “meant to be,” you will be fine. (In 10 years, this type of stress will be a thing of the past anyway.) I think it’s important that you know that stress doesn’t need to be a part of your vocabulary. You’ll be more productive when put into a calm mindset and find that you’re happier, too.
I truly think that there could be no more perfect a word than “cliché” to describe what our take, as college students, on stress should be. Stress is dramatized by the average student and is spoken of far too often than needed. You are the one who creates the “stressful” atmosphere for yourself, so it’s plain to see just how unnecessary it really is.
The key is to take things in moderation and to go about them slowly. Think about it; can you seriously come up with one reason as to why you have to rush anything in your life? Time passes quickly enough to speed it up anymore.
Place upon yourself a load that you can handle and learn to say “no.” It’s funny how this tiny word has instilled in us the biggest fear—the fear of missing out. If you can learn to get over the discomfort this answer seems to initially bring, you will be one step closer to eliminating stress.
You’re going to have enough problems of your own to deal with, but stress is one that can be avoided. Don’t waste a second of the time you are given in a hasted, fretful state. Live at your own pace.