How to relax when you’re stressed

This poor, poor cat

Celebrities who look like Disney characters

Just some really cool photos

Why is this 14-year-old classier than me?

12 female celebs reveal their true size

The best running apps to try

In defense of Ashton Kutcher

6 ways to stop thinking too much

Get a sneak peek to Glee’s new songs

If movie characters had the internet…

Where the past meets the present

What foreign countries use instead of Facebook

Best black flats under $40

How much is good hair worth?

Are you ready for a Sarah Palin free February?

Robert Pattinson is growing up!

Ommmmm.

According to our friends at AOL Health, we are ruining our lives. They’ve compiled a list of dangerous ways to relax – and unfortunately for me (and probably a lot of you) this list could pretty much make my “interests” section on Facebook.

For college students, things like zoning out in front of the TV, pigging out on greasy pizza, and binge drinking are simply facts of life: we don’t see their inherent potential to harm us, we simply perpetuate these behaviors because they’re easy or convenient or fun.

But this AOL Health article really rings true. Yeah, we do a lot of these things because in the moment, at this point in our lives, we can usually come out of these behaviors completely unscathed. Sure, it’s fine to indulge in Gossip Girl marathons once in a while, or to wake up in the middle of the night and reach for that stick of cookie dough after a hard breakup, but replacing these unhealthy, sometimes-unsafe practices with healthier ones could make a huge difference in the long run. Stress can have really serious implications, so why engage in behaviors that only do more to ruin our bodies?

Here are five awesome, easy ways to deal with stress in a healthy way:

Take a walk: It may not get your heart pumping the way a run would, but taking a walk is a great way to (literally) step away from the things that cause you stress. If it’s nice outside, the fresh air from an outdoor walk will calm you down while the monotony of keeping a steady pace allows you to focus on your thoughts. Research shows that just being outside can cause stress levels to drop.  If it’s too hot or cold outside, drive to the closest mall and walk around the entire perimeter. Just try not to get lured in by window displays!

Read: Call me old-fashioned, but I totally believe in the power of picking up a good book. And no, I’m not suggesting you download one or break out your Kindle or whatever people do these days. I’m saying make a trip to the bookstore, spend at least an hour browsing, and come home ready to crack open a page-turner. Whether your choice is cerebral (Plato, anyone?) or fun (confession: the third installment of Lauren Conrad’s LA Candy series, Sugar And Spice, is on my nightstand right now), a good book will not only take your mind off of things, it’ll also give your eyes a much-needed break from the glaring light of your computer, TV, or phone.

Cook: Working towards a goal makes you feel accomplished, but when that goal is something that can seriously affect your life, like studying for a huge test or applying for a job, it can add to your stress level. Something that feels more trivial can do the opposite. Making a new dish from scratch is the kind of thing that will make you feel like you have a purpose; luckily, no one is grading or evaluating your skills, so if you fail it’s no biggie.

Pamper yourself: Giving yourself a mini manicure is a great way to de-stress. Soak your hands and feet, slather on rich lotion, and clip/file your nails. It’s a super relaxing activity that yields real results: if you really feel like going all-out, rub a foot scrub across your heels to remove any gross calluses, cover the spot with Vaseline, and wear socks for a few hours to let it really soak in. The most important part? Choosing a bright, pretty shade of nail polish – there’s nothing more mood altering than a handful of polished nails – use a neon shade if need energy, and a pastel if you need a calming influence.

Revamp your wardrobe: Go through everything you’ve accumulated and find new ways to wear clothes that scream “three years ago.” Better yet, take these old trends and make them work right now. Have an old black blazer lying around? Wrap some fun fabric on the cuffs, sew it in place, and voila! You have a brand new boyfriend blazer (so hot right now), minus the $200 price tag. If working with your hands and evading an expensive purchase aren’t amazing ways to relax, I don’t know what will do it.

This is a stressful time of year, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by everything. Almost everyone experiences stress, but in different ways: what kind of stress plagues you? Find out here and learn the best ways for you to combat your stress.

Since most of us won't get near those nasty tubs in the communal bathroom, I've got a few better ideas for relaxation...

October is a busy month. Between midterms and registration, and finding the perfect Halloween costume, things can get pretty crazy there for a while. But it’s important to remember to take a step back from it all for a while. Relax. Enjoy the little things. Relieve some stress.

Here’s how…

10. Indulge in some junk food. This probably isn’t the best advice, since eating your feelings isn’t exactly healthy, but chocolate cures all. At least for a little while. So just indulge for a little bit. Something sweet, or something salty, or something sweet and salty (chocolate covered pretzels…mmm…). Just a little pick me up. Besides, isn’t dark chocolate good for you anyway?

9. Dance it out. Yes, I am totally ripping off Grey’s Anatomy here, but the “twisted sisters” know what they’re talking about.  Dancing is an excellent stress reliever and you don’t even have to have any rhythm whatsoever. (Trust me. I would know.) Just enjoy yourself. And relax.

8. Shop. “You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that’s what it’s like when I see a store. Only it’s better.”  Oh Becky Bloomwood, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

7. Get that heart rate up. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” –Elle Woods. (I apologize for that one but Legally Blonde was on WeTV this week.)

6. Organize and categorize. Maybe it’s just me but I’ve always found the process of putting things in order to be extremely calming. Freaking out about a big test? Make a study schedule. Nervous about a date? Plan the perfect outfit. Once you know exactly what you’re doing it will be a lot easier to get it done.

5. Get in some quality BFF time. Whether you and your friends are staying in with pizza, beer, and bad TV, or heading out in heels, a good old fashioned girls night cures all. Who cares about what’s happening next week when you’re having the time of your life right now? Let loose. Have some fun. Let your friends distract you. Nothing will seem as bad the next day (except maybe that hangover…).

4. Curl up in bed and watch a movie. Or you know, have a Gossip Girl marathon. The point is that losing yourself in someone else’s drama will distract you from your own. Whatever you have going on won’t seem nearly as terrible after you’ve seen Jenny Humphrey’s eye makeup.

3. Laugh. Search some YouTube videos. Visits Texts from Last Night. Call up your funniest friend. Look at last weekend’s Facebook pictures. Just let off some steam and enjoy some absurdity.

2. Catch up with CollegeCandy. You need some downtime to just breathe and be? Put on your favorite pair of sweats, get comfy, grab your laptop and start reading. Want to feel inspired? Check out this article. Or maybe you need a good laugh? Morning after stories will do that for you.  Or just scroll through the feed and see what you missed.

1. Make a list. Like I said when I took on this column, list making is my life. It keeps your organized. It makes you feel like you have some semblance of control of everything going on around you. It gives you a focus for just a little while. It makes you feel good when you get to cross something off.  And the results are always entertaining.

How about it, ladies? Has this week been as stressful for you as it has for me? What do you do to let off some steam? Let me know in the comments below!

7 ways to stay positive about dating.

Well, at least Lindsay is improving at something.

Need a little help with that frizz?

Sesame Street gets an adult makeover.

Stressed? A few ways to chill the eff out.

‘My Generation’: Just as boring as real life.

So in an effort to stop overworking myself (you should really see my jam-packed planner) and to help my fellow busy bees (high five!) de-stress, here are a few reasons why we should take a breather and stop stressing out!

There are 50 Stress-Related Effects – none of which are attractive

The American Institute of Stress lists them here. Some of them are more common (headaches, impulse buying) while others are a bit extreme (ringing, buzzing or popping sounds). Wow, makes me want to call in sick…

Allow me to be more specific…

Ever look into a mirror during finals week and be shocked to see how unnaturally pale you are? Blame it on the stress! When you are stressed, your body responds by directing your blood flow to the heart, brain, and lungs since they are the most critical functions. Your skin does not get as much blood as when you are well rested, making you lose those rosy cheeks. Translation: you look like a zombie.

Also, because blood flow is not prioritized towards the muscles, you start feeling achy and tension on your body parts. When there is not enough blood, your muscles are being cheated of oxygen and its daily nutrients. Your shoulders, neck, back, and legs will NOT thank you. An easy fix is to stretch – it’ll loosen up your muscles.If problems persist, a good massage will bring senses back into your nerves and redirect blood flow where it is lacking.

Other visible effects include brittle nails from lack of nutrients, acne from increased oil production in the skin, and loss of hair.

It shows – muffin top style

When we are stressed, we release a hormone called cortisol, which in turn releases more hormones that slow down our metabolism and increase the likelihood for sugary cravings. This could lead to momentary weight gain, but long-term stress could mean a few unnecessary pounds. On the other hand, if you’re one of the few who eat less when stressed, then you are depriving your body of essential nutrients!

Quick fixes

Like I said earlier, getting a massage is a good answer to loosening up tight muscle knots and to get the blood moving.

If you have an extra 30 minutes, then head outside for a quick run, make your way to the campus gym, roll out a cute yoga mat, or pop in a workout DVD right in your room! The cute guys over at UPenn say every exercise session gives you 90-120 minutes of “relaxation response.”

I would also add “sleeping” into your schedule, but we all know that’s nearly impossible in any stressful situation. But if you can still fit in 7-8 hours of sleep, then pop in those ear plugs and do it.

Nothing’s more important than your well-being

Whether it’s a big project on the line or you are just over committed, try taking at least 5 minutes every day to just BREATHE. Realize that at the end of the day, it’s all small stuff to begin with. If you can’t handle an extra project, learn to say no. If you are worried about the “what-if’s” of an upcoming event, learn to prepare the best you can and then roll with the punches. Don’t let an essay or a presentation get the best of you. It ain’t pretty.

I myself am stressed to the max with work and am not at all appreciative of the bags under my eyes right now (I look a little something like this). I swear I saw my first wrinkle today. And then I cried.

All I want is a little R&R so I can be fully recharged and ready for Spring Break. After all, you need to look and feel your best before you go off and party for an entire week (duh). I’d love to just take a day and chill out at the spa. Relaxing music, soothing body treatments, a little “me” time is all I really need to feel better and look a whole lot more rejuvenated.

Too bad I’m in college and have to spend all my money on tuition instead of a fancy $80 facial or $60 body exfoliate. But that’s OK, because with a few key ingredients and a couple of hours, I can bring the spa and relaxation to me. And you can too, sister.

Here are a few DIY recipes and tips to create the perfect spa day that will have you feeling less stressed and more relaxed, guaranteed!  It worked wonders for me and now I no longer look like the Wicked Witch and look (or feel like I look) more like this.

What You’ll Do
1. Turn off your cell phone. Yes, do it. I dare you. The freedom and relaxation that comes from not hearing your phone buzz every few minutes is amazing.

2. Turn on some smooth jams. I prefer Miss Norah Jones (she’s the bomb.com). But if you really want that spa ambiance, turn on Spa Radio station on Pandora Radio so you really feel like you’re at a pampered place.

3. Detox your bod by drinking tons of ice-cold water throughout the day. Add some cucumber slices for a crisp taste and spa feel.

4. Scrub up with the Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub (recipe below).

5. Freshen your face with the Citrus Facial (recipe below).

6. Sit back, kick your feet up, and relax with a bowl of organic fro-yo with fresh fruit.

7. Leave the “spa” feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for whatever the week has to offer.

Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub
Body scrubs exfoliate the skin, which can help remove toxins from your body (like the ones from all those games of beer pong and late-night TBell runs)! Scrubs also remove dead skin, leaving your skin with a renewed, healthy, and natural glow.

What You’ll Need
1/4 cup coarse brown sugar
1 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup grated lemon peel

What You’ll Do
1. Mix together all ingredients. The brown sugar will help to exfoliate the skin, the grapeseed oil will moisturize the skin, and the lemon peel will create a tingly feeling that stimulates your senses.
2. Gently rub on your body.
Tip: Scrubs can be very messy and goopy, so use this in the shower or bath for easier application.
3. Rinse with water.
4. If you want to make a bigger batch, multiply all ingredients by 4 and store in a cute jar. Mason jars work best for a retro, vintage feel, and will add that extra unique touch to your homemade scrub. You can find Mason Jars at Walmart and other home stores.

Citrus Facial
This facial, like the body scrub, will remove dead/dry skin and revitalize your face. And citrus is a natural ingredient that helps further detoxify your skin (plus it smells delicious!).

What You’ll Need:
1 teaspoon lemon juice (or other citrus juice!)
2 teaspoons honey
6 ounces plain yogurt
1/4 cup oatmeal

What You’ll Do:
1. Blend ingredients.
2. Apply to face and allow to dry
3. Rinse with water and bask in your freshened face!

Recipes from OrganicAuthority.com.

And the fact that I’m not going this year?  I’m not a very good actor, but I could almost pinch out a few legitimate tears.  You mean I have to continue to struggle up mini-snow mountain regions, and continue to suffocate under the restraints of my wool scarf?

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons for me to be bitter about my lack o’ travels this Spring Break but, I am deciding to look the bright side for a change. Sweating poolside under the shade of an US Weekly magazine or not, I’m going to make the best out of my Spring Break, and  – turns out – it is easier than I thought because you can:

1. Finally catch up on all of those books you’ve been reading (or not reading).

College is so stressful, sometimes I find myself being stressed out about the weekly T.V. shows I am trying to catch up on.  It is time to sit down and freakin’ relax. I know I have about five books I’m currently trying to read at the same time, and nothing strains my stress greater than a quality read. So kick those feet back, flip on the fireplace switch, and get reading.

2. Think of all the moo-lah you are saving!? You can spend a (small) portion on a facial. Why not?

Deciding (or being forced against your will) to not attend Spring Break just made you ten times richer.  Don’t get me wrong, in the midst of running to class and cursing the cold-I would give my left leg to catch a flight to Margaritaville.  But on the other hand, you have a lot more breathing room when it comes to the dough. Go spend a little bit of it on a facial, or for the construction of a new iTunes playlist (whatever it may be).

3. Use this extra time to get a step ahead of applying for jobs/internships.

With everything going on during class, your social life, and trying to maintain a close relationship with Mr. Treadmill, it is super difficult to navigate a time to apply for jobs and internships during the school year.  Spring Break is the perfect time to stick your nose in front of the pack and apply, apply, apply for jobs and internships.  Use this time to do some extra research on jobs, networking with experts in your field of study, and editing your LinkedIn profile. It may not be as fun as a keg stand via pool side, but the benefits are way up their on the ‘success scale.’

4. Get involved with some volunteer work during your free time.

This is a great and feel-good way to spend your Spring Break.  Not only are you keeping  yourself occupied, but you are giving back to your community. Try calling a local non-profit organization or even a museum, to see if they need volunteer help.

5. Re-acquaint yourself with your favorite letter of the alphabet: ZzzZZz.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good nights 13-hour siesta every once in a while.  Sleeping keeps you from getting raunchy colds, helps you lose weight, and most importantly, feels totally awesome!  So while everyone else is getting three-hour-drunk-sleep in Mexico and waking up with a monstrous hangover, you are nursing the bags under your eyes you’ve accumulated from midterms. Win.

6. You can explore what your home town has to offer. By yourself.

Even if none of your friends are around, don’t be afraid to go explore a new restaurant on your own, or a nearby museum. Really, when do you ever get the chance to do these things unless you are retired? And have you ever gone to a movie by yourself? Take it from me, it is amazing.  Nobody is awkwardly reaching into the popcorn bowl the same time as you are, you can keep your movie preview commentary all to yourself, and you can shamelessly go to the lame guilty pleasure movie you’ve been wanting to see forever (Dear John anyone)?

7. Call one of your old high school friends.

Now, even I haven’t done this in a while-which is mildly depressing.  But something deep down inside of me, really really wants to.  And there is never a better time than the present!  There are bound to be a few friends home for Spring Break, and I’m willing to bet it is refreshing to talk over coffee with the people who stood next to you when you hit your 5-year long awkward stage in middle school. Now that is something you guys can talk about.

8. Learn how to cook.

If you’ve gotten a chance to watch the movie ‘Julie & Julia’ this idea will really tickle your fancy. If you’re at home, Mom is sure to have some serious cookbooks sitting around, and if not, Google up a storm for some awesome recipes for whatever you are craving at the moment, and get cooking!  And they don’t have to be food recipes, either; learn how to make a few tasty cocktails for when everyone returns.  If anything, when your roommates return from vaca, they will probably adore you for your (feeble attempt) at out-cooking Rachel Ray.

9. Watch an entire television series (just because you can).

Now, this is something I’ve been wanting to do for ages now, specifically with the three seasons of MadMen. So I am sure everyone has a television sitcom they want to get their hands on (and finished) in one week.  So why not take the time to tackle your utmost guilty pleasure via television and get watching!

10. Spend some quality time with family.

Nothing is better than sprawling out on your couch at home and having one of those totally crazy conversations with your family.  Did Dad really just say that out loud? Your family never gets to see you when you are away at college, and this is the perfect time to relax at home prove to them how much you’ve missed them (and the scene in their refrigerator).

I want to go to there.

Could life be any more stressful right now? If midterms weren’t enough, we have to find the time to get our bodies in shape for Spring Break, watch a buttload of TV, and figure out what we’re going to wear for St. Patrick’s day.

I have been an anxious mess all week; even last night’s 90-minute yoga sesh didn’t ease my mind. Instead of letting everything go and focusing on my breathing, I used Downward Dog as a time to notice how fat my thighs were and how badly I needed a pedicure. Then I started thinking of all the other things I could be doing with that time, making a mental list in my head.

It’s exhausting. I just wish I could be somewhere else for an hour. Somewhere with no stress, no assignments, no anything but pure bliss and relaxation. Like in bed…with Joel McHale and Paul Rudd…while Paula Deen feeds us big, buttery cupcakes. Or on a yacht with Beyonce and Jay-Z, just hanging out and admiring the brand new Louboutin pumps they got me for my birthday.

Just thinking about it all makes me feel a little less stressed, less anxious. Since I know I’m not the only one freaking out right now, I asked the CollegeCandy writers to tell me what they would do if they had an hour of total freedom.

Rachael- University of Miami: Given the way this week has gone, I’d say sleep, but assuming I’m not in the middle of midterm madness, either be in a Broadway musical or speak at a General Assembly meeting for the United Nations.

Jasmine – Northern Arizona University: I would live out “Tik Tok” with Ke$ha and Rihanna.

Lauren – University of Michigan: I’d be on the Chelsea Lately round table for two episodes.

Kelly – University of Iowa: I would make sweet, sweet love with David Beckham while the rest of the AC Milan soccer team furiously made enough barbacoa burritos to last me my lifetime.

Jessica – Delaware: I would have great sex followed by eating giant ice cream sundaes with no calories.

Noa – CU Boulder: I’d smoke a bowl with my parents (because that would be really funny, no?) and then eat my mom’s famous lasagna. The whole thing.

Melanie – Northeastern University: I’d freeze time and raid Saks 5th Avenue

Anna – Northeastern: I would eat a never ending bowl of tomato chicken and orzo soup, with extra crackers.

Carly – Grinnell: Oh, wow. I’m pretty sure I would choose to spend an hour learning how to temper chocolate from a world-class pastry chef. Yeah . . . that seems like a skill that would come in handy for hundreds of future occasions.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: I’m going to have to go with being able to buy whatever I want for an hour with everything absolutely free. Think supermarket-sweep but in Neiman Marcus.

Desiree – Columbia University: I’m dying for an massage. Exam stress almost always ties my back in knots, so I’d spend my hour being rubbed head to toe with the richest oils and lotions.

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: I would spend an hour spooning with Sidney Crosby in bed. Eating french silk pie.

Christie – NC State: If I could do anything for an hour I would want to ride a gondola in Venice, on a beautiful sunny day, with David Beckham giving me a back massage and an orchestra playing along the side of the river as I rode by.

What would you do?

"I will take the stairs" is more realistic than "I will workout 6 days a week."

With every new year comes a handful of far-fetched resolutions and often unrealistic goals we set for ourselves. We vow to be better in the new year: to be thinner, study more, drink less, exercise more, etc, etc. And then we throw them all away during our post-NYE hangover the next morning. What? It’s hard to eat healthy when the only thing that will make you feel better is a stack of chocolate chip pancakes and 5 strips of bacon.

If you’re tired of setting resolutions that never pan out, maybe it’s time to make a new resolution: to make more realistic resolutions.

Now, I’m not saying you should change your resolution from “I want to get better grades” to “I will sleep with my professor to get better grades,” just because it may seem easier. What I am saying is there are simple ways to improve your life without grand resolutions that you know you’ll never keep. Life is in the details and sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

If you wanna see some real changes in 2010, start small.

Change Your Routine:
We are creatures of habit; it’s in our DNA. Although having a structured schedule is a great way to establish a healthy lifestyle, it also can lead to a mundane life. And one where everything remains the same. Try a new exercise (hula hooping is all the rage right now). Swap your lattes for a simple coffee (which will cut out some serious calories). Take the stairs to your dorm room instead of the elevator. Find a new study space. Just do something that will give your brain and body some new stimulation. The change will be small, but the results will be noticeable.

Declutter:
Clean your room or desk space. College dorms are small enough without all that extra junk lying around. Throw out all those red cups, donate any old and unwanted clothes to Goodwill, and reorganize your room. Studies show that our mental state often reflects our living space, so if you declutter your room you’ll feel less stressed and chaotic and more relaxed and rejuvenated for the new year.

Be LESS Available:
That’s right, I said it. Put the Blackberry away, Tweet less, Facebook less, and leave Gmail alone for 5 seconds. Focus on the people you’re with when you’re actually with them, instead of taking calls and texting all the time. Not only will your friends appreciate your attention, but your relationships will get a whole lot stronger.

Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier:
Most people have no real time for themselves between getting ready in the morning, eating breakfast, and rushing off to class. Try waking up a half hour early and relax a little: read the newspaper, have a cup of coffee, watch Saved By the Bell reruns (everyone could use a little more Zack Morris in their lives), and start your day off slower than you usually do. If you start the morning off without a rush, you’ll feel happier and less stressed during the long work/school day. Less stress = more productivity.

See? It’s that easy!

What are your New Years Resolutions? Do you make any small changes that have BIG results?