The Daily Campus

Issue date: 9/2/09 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Matt Lin Students use some of their free time at the Student Recreational Facility last spring. In this photo: Katie Issler, 8th-semester diagnostic science major and Joe Callahan, an 8th-semester journalism major.

Spending more than $200 on textbooks? Check. Waiting at the bus stop for 10 minutes longer than expected? Check. Swapping your entire schedule at least twice and having a mental breakdown in the process? Check and mate.

So maybe this week has been a little more hectic then you expected. The exhausting trek across campus from von der Mehden to Torrey Life Sciences may have many students reconsidering their schedule. But this is a crucial time for many to take a deep breath and relax.

"Syllabus week is the best week of the year," said Jeff Edelman, a 7th-semester accounting major. "You can map out your schedule for tests, quizzes and homework - and you get out early from most of your classes. "



Get your heart pumping

The temperatures have taken a dip this week and it is the perfect time to take a walk, go for a run or just enjoy some time outside. Not only does this give your body the healthy boost it needs after a few too many late-night snacks but it also puts you in a better mood and focuses your energy on the task at hand.

"Exercise can decrease stress hormones," according to about.com. "[It increases] cortisol and endorphins, your body's feel-good chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost."

If you would rather take your exercise routine inside, then the Student Recreational Facility has a ton of options. If the gym is your poison, then make sure to take advantage of all of the things SRF has to offer. Rock climbing, racquetball and open gym basketball are just some of the many activities available.

Advice to the wise: the gym is most crowded around 4 in the afternoon when many students are out of class. Try slipping in an early session for stress relief and to jumpstart your day.



Sit by the TV with friends

It's Wednesday night and, since it's syllabus week, many students probably don't have an abundance of work to get done. Pop in a good movie with some friends and make some popcorn to complete your viewing experience.

Missing a DVD player, or would rather just watch TV? Some Wednesday TV highlights include "So You Think You Can Dance" starting at 8 p.m. on FOX, the movie "Perfect Stranger" at 8 p.m. on FX and "True Blood" at 9 p.m. on HBO.



Eat, but carefully

Is there one food that you simply can't live without? If you crave gummy bears and can't find them in the dining halls (they're not there, I promise) - then do yourself a favor and just buy a bag. Otherwise, your craving may lead to overeating other foods, which you might regret later.

"I like to eat while watching TV, it's the best of both worlds," said Scott Zucker, a 7th-semester accounting major. "The gym is way too crowded during the first week of school, it makes me even more stressed out."

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