By Julissa Rachor

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

Are you feeling cooped up? Stressed from classes? Or need a detox from the troubles of life? Well, what better way to relieve all that than centering all your energy on a physical activity that benefits you!

So as we roll into week 7 of the term (I know, yikes!), just remember to breathe. The term is almost over, but at the same time we have deadlines looming, midterms finishing up, finals in sight and papers galore! However, the best thing to do is DONT SWEAT it, or rather do, but do it in a way where you let off the steam of a bad grade or an overload on studying by engaging in an activity that will calm you or at least make you feel a lot better. Studies have shown that exercising does help to release endorphins which give you a natural high, helping to relieve the stress you’re feeling and allowing your body to relax and break the fight or flight cycle it’s been stuck in, if you’ve had an overly stressful day.

Take for instance, Dixon Recreational Center. You know, that one place across from the IM fields where people go inside to work out and come out feeling like a million bucks?! Well, Dixon is actually loaded with great activities for everyone, below is a small list of the different programs and departments offered at Dixon. The best part to remember is that almost all of these activities are already counted into your student fees, so that means you don’t have to pay for them!

-Body Pump

-Beaver Strides

-DamFit

-Personal Trainers

-Mind Spa

-Massage Therapist

-Fit Classes (Zumba, power lifting, etc)

-Swimming

-Cardio and Indoor track

-Weight room (2)

-Rock Wall climbling

-Adventure Leadership

-Nutritionists

Personally I’ve used pretty much used all of these programs at Dixon, either from attending Zumba with my friends, using the swimming pool, getting my rock climbing certification, to even having my own personal trainer (shout out to Kristen Anderson). Needless to say, I love Dixon.

Now I’m sure there are a few individuals out there however that are probably asking, but Julissa what if I want to take my adventure outside? Well, if you’re a runner (or just like to goof off and have a good time) I would definitely suggest grabbing a group of your closest friends 2,3, 5, or 9 and signing up for a 5k Color Run, Mud Run, Tough Mudder, or my personal favorite, the Rugged Maniac. I did the Rugged Maniac last Spring term with my best friend, needless to say it was a good muddy time, filled with laughs, scratches and awesome candid photos.

Though, for the adventure junkies out there, who need a little more of an adrenaline rush theres the Adventure Leadership Institute offered by Oregon State University. Students are given the chance to learn in the wildest and most remote classrooms in the Pacific Northwest — from the forest, to the high desert, to rugged cascade peaks and glaciers. You can find yourself rock climbing on Smith Rock to whitewater rafting to backpacking. Learning all the necessary ways on how to do it efficiently and effectively.

For my last tid-bit, because it will happen eventually to you, is how to eat a little more healthy when midterms and finals are approaching, or just a busy life in general.

Below is my list of the small things you can bring with you to class, the library or even to Dixon to sate your appetite, the healthy way.

-Carrots and celery paired with hummus

-Greek yogurt with chocolate/caramel rice cakes

-Quest bars or Cliff Bars (can purchase at the library eCafe)

-Light string cheese

-Turkey Jerky (low cal and low-fat)

-Dark Chocolate

So now that I’ve given you a little brief overview on how to relieve the stress that is week 7, I’ll leave you a couple links in the case that anything I’ve said has struck a chord and has caught your interest. Good Luck on midterms and Finals everyone and hopefully I’ll see you around Dixon or one of the many 5k runs!

http://www.ruggedmaniac.com/events-details/items/portland-or-2014.html

http://www.colormerad.com/race/eugene

http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/indoor-climbing-center

http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/fitness

http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/adventure-leadership-certificate