Laugh More Stress Less is a new club at McLean aimed at helping students relieve their stress and have a good time. During testing weeks, Laugh More Stress Less will have different activities everyday to help relieve stress that school work brings them. Throughout the year, look for days that Laugh More Stress Less will be having stress-relieving and fun activities. To get involved, talk to your counselor or the school psychologist, Beth Werfel. The club’s next meeting is Thursday, Dec. 6, in G277 from 2:15-2:45 p.m. In the meantime, here are some stress-relieving tips.

1. Breathe! – Take a couple of slow, deep breaths, becoming aware of your breath entering and exiting the stomach, ribs, and chest. Bringing awareness to the breath allows you to concentrate on something other than what is causing the stress and makes you feel more connected with yourself and your ability to accomplish.

2. Get Active – Partake in physical exercise for 20-30 minutes a day – whether it is playing a sport, doing yoga, running, or even walking. It helps you take your mind off of daily life tensions and stress.

3. Make a “To-Do” List – Putting things down on a list can free the mind of worries. Try color coding your list with the different things you have to do. That will help relieve anxiety.

4. Jam Out to Some Music – Try creating a special playlist of your favorite songs. This will help you take your mind off worries and will relax your mind. Create a remix of some upbeat songs and maybe some nature sounds.

5. Laugh – It can be contagious! It also relaxes your body, protects the heart, and lowers stress hormones!

6. Have a Personal Motto – Having a personal motto can inspire you and build your confidence. Use it to give yourself a boost when you are feeling down or stressed out. Some good mottos are: Don’t worry be happy, hakuna matata, carpe diem, or keep calm and carry on.