CREDIT: DUNCAN SMITH/THINKSTOCK
Head over to Fanshawe's Mend massage clinic for a 45-minute massage. It's just one of many ways to help de-stress.

It is Mental health & Wellness Awareness Days and we’re going to take a look at five inexpensive ways to reduce stress and keep you feeling great throughout the school year.

Get involved in school activities

Having an active social life helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, school activities are often free or inexpensive. You can find the events at fsu.ca/events.

Get your sweat on

We all know that exercise lowers stress levels, but what most people don’t know is that it is actually sweating that we benefit most from. Thankfully, we don’t have to pay a cent to get a good sweat going. Get your sweat on by going for a run, taking the stairs or other extracurricular activities (wink wink).

Find your zen

Having a smartphone has really opened up a lot of opportunities. Go to your App Store and download a yoga and meditation app. Yoga 101 is a popular free download in the App Store. Finding your calm and centering your mind allows you to release stress and anxiety.

Get a massage

Fanshawe College is home to the new Mend Student Massage Clinic that is ran by the Massage Therapy students. Not only is it close by and easy to get to, but it is also only $12 for a 45-minute massage. Have your stress and anxiety worked out of you in D2006. You can book an appointment online at mendmassage.ca.

Talk to someone

Whether you talk to your friends, coach, mentor, parents or even a professional, talking about what’s stressing you is therapeutic. If you wish to talk to a therapist, the school offers you free counseling sessions for eligible students. Contact the Counselling and Accessibility Centre in room F2010 by calling 519- 452-4282 to find out more information or book an appointment.

There are lots of options available to you to help keep your stress levels low while living on a student budget. Find the ones that work best for you and take care of yourself by taking care of your mental health.