Combatting stress

Sometimes it helps to make lists of things that you have to do in the coming weeks, so I decided that I’d give that a try and make a tidy to do list.

Books that I have to read and projects that relate to them:

Hamlet- write a thesis paper on Hamlet (the title of my paper: Are those boobs real or fake? Seeming versus being in our modern culture)

Handmaiden’s Tale- write a book report-esque paper exploring any theme I choose.

Unvanquised- just read it

Franny and Zooey- just read it

Great Gatsby- write literature circle papers every week, paying special attention to the different scenes, the characters, and lexicography.

Faulkner’s short story collection, and various books on Faulkner- write a paper and have a presentation ready for the class the week of class.

Projects:

I. French projects-

• Listen to the audio version of Around the World in Eighty Days and record myself reading a chapter of it, paying special attention to pronunciation and inflection.
• Film myself making a French meal, and explain on camera each step (in French)
• Write an in depth paper on a character in Indochine, the classic French film.
• Prepare a response to 10 questions on a previously given list, and be ready to answer any two of these questions (orally), plus a question not on the list

II. American Literature projects-

• Get a 20 minute presentation ready to teach the class about Faulkner.

Tests:

AP U.S. History- A four hour long college board AP test, which includes a multiple choice objective exam, two free response essays, and one document based question.

Math- On Monday, a smaller test ranging 4 chapters, and then the next week, a quarter test.

French- A French quiz on Tuesday.

American Literature- Reading quizzes every week on the Great Gatsby.

And then objective final exams, the week of 27-30th:

Math

French

To combat my stress, I asked my tweeps about what would help. Here are some of the replies:

“Tea.”

“Booze?”

“Kavakava is good for stress, meditation, exercise…many things help stress.”

“Combating Stress: Engaging in Flow, Physical Activity, Proper Diet, Meditation, Medication, various vices I wouldn’t recommend.”

“Exercise, prayer, meditation–all ways to combat stress.”

“I use essential oils. Lavender is infamous for that among other things.”

“Oiling and lotioning, lotioning and oiling… smiling. I can’t take this no more!
-Sandlot (1993)”

“Sleep. Keeping busy. FRIENDS. Dance. Helping others. Cleaning house. Removing the root cause (I’m serious, and it can usually be done, if not easy). Hugs. *offers you a warm and friendly hug*”

“Valerian, skullcap, hops.”

“Aerobic exercise 20-30 mins, 2-4 times per week…it really does help.”

And my own personal antidote: Blast Iron and Wine and then watch this theatrical masterpiece on youtube (fast forward to 3:24 for the best song).