Writer hails return of sun, relaxation

As I sat in a reclined chair this weekend basking in the sun, baking my skin to a warm shade of brown, I felt a sense of bliss. 

Amidst the chaos of my classes, the rather large amount of tests I have all in one week because my professors seemingly have a luncheon together and decide to plan everything as a death trap, the approaching deadline for the completion of my thesis proposal, my two jobs, the seven regular meetings I attend each week and my involvement in organizations, I found time to relax.

Now, this isn't a sob story about how busy my life is.  It is, however, an answer to the suppressed cries of every stressed college student.  Well, maybe not every student, but those who like water and sun, lots of sun.

Even though I work two jobs, I do not, by any means, have the money to take a vacation. What I do have are the resources the university provides for me.  The Morris Recreation Center has a versatile outdoor area equipped with a pool that is useful for both relaxation and recreation, two activities that are great stress relievers.

Lying in the sun with a layer of sunscreen, a layer of coconut scented tanning oil, a bottle of water and my favorite tunes is all I need to mellow out and remind myself that school is not going to kill me and I can find the strength to survive another week.

Some people have this mistaken theory that partying like an animal will help loosen them up and lift the weight of the week off of their shoulders.  However, while it might loosen one up, getting wasted will only make the individual feel worse than the day before, defeating the entire purpose of drinking to relieve stress.  Terrible idea.

Pouting, screaming, cursing and whining will also get you nowhere.  As good as it may feel while doing so, the aforementioned actions will most likely only anger you more, setting you back to a state of even worse insanity.

Going to the pool, the lake, the beach or any pool of water that is showered with sun is an easy and relatively cheap way to escape from reality for an hour, an afternoon or even a day.  When the correct precautions are taken, it isn't even harmful to your body, mind or reputation.  Sunscreen with a high enough SPF, sunglasses to protect your eyes and a bottle of water for hydration are all you need to have a healthy recharge.