How Barnard Destresses
In the midst of college acceptances, summer internship applications, exams, and finals on the horizon, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of school and work. College entails a wide variety of new experiences, leaving home, meeting students from across the globe, juggling classes and a job; it can quickly become stressful. Barnard has a strong support system, giving you a net to land in when overwhelmed. Everyone manages stress differently, but as long as you have a method, Barnard is here to help.
Here are a few ways my fellow students and I shake it off.
Exercise
Once the physical education requirement is fulfilled, it becomes easy to avoid both Barnard and Columbia’s fitness centers. I quickly realized studying and sitting all day is not a good way to remain healthy. Fitbear, Barnard’s student-led fitness classes are a fantastic and fun way to stay in shape and exercise the body. With a selection of zumba, barre fit, core, and more, this beats the treadmill most days. Barnard is also located very close to a variety of studios and exercise facilities. Yoga to the People near 103rd street is a welcoming and donation-based studio with lovely yoga instructors open to all levels of participants. I highly recommend the candlelit yoga! Many of my friends recommend SoulCycle, and free or discounted passes are handed out regularly on campus. Lastly, runs through Riverside Park are scenic as well as relaxing.
Crafting
When you’re done exercising, crafting is a great way to destress. Make your friends a card, decorate your dorm room, or try some origami! One of my favorite clubs is Gosh Yarn It! where you’re welcome to stop by to knit, learn how to crochet, and swap knitting needles. Semesterly outings to stock up on yarn are offered as well. Well-Woman, Barnard’s peer-led health promotion program, holds weekly crafting opportunities in the Barnard Quad, ranging from button making to zine creation.
Therapy
Barnard’s Furman Counseling Center is always open to students and a certain number of appointments are included in student tuition. Confidential and safe, Furman is a good place to go to speak what’s on your mind. The Center offers support groups with different focuses weekly. Columbia Nightline is also just a phone call away; the phone line is available 10pm-3am, with trained, anonymous students there to talk to you for any reason, big or small.
Leaving the “Morningside Heights Bubble”
With everything you could possibly need located conveniently within a ten-block radius, it is easy to get stuck inside the campus bubble. Every so often, it is necessary to jump on the 1 train and head to a different part of NYC. Whether you love the bustle of Times Square or the nature of Central Park, leaving the Morningside bubble is a perfect day-trip.
Email me if you have questions!
srh2178@barnard.edu