It's that time of the year again! Summer bliss is melting away and stress is rolling in. Now is the time to learn ways to manage your stress level. This fall I will be a freshman in college and I can feel the weight of this whole new world on my shoulders. Getting in to college was a very stressful time whether it was the SATs, college essays, or picking the perfect school. Though it was a gut-wrenching awful time, I learned more about myself and how to relieve myself from bad stress. Don't get good stress and bad stress confused. Good stress can keep you focused and motivated to complete a task to your best ability. Bad stress, the root of all evils, may cause your body to respond with stomach aches, jittery nerves, headaches, or the worse case of running mind. But whatever situation is overwhelming you, here are helpful tips to relieve stress.
1. Make a priority list
When you are feeling overwhelmed by multiple tasks the best thing you can do is write it all down and figure out which ones are most important. By writing a list, you will feel relieved with satisfaction as you complete tasks.
2. Take a walk
Physical activity generates creativity and releases toxins from the body. Sometimes you need to take a step back from the situation and clear your mind. Isaac Newton discovered gravity by taking in some fresh air! You will feel refreshed and can come back to the task with a new perspective.
3. Add music
Turn on your feel good playlist, a little dance break never hurt anyone!
4. Don't say yes to everything
It's okay to say no. You are only human and can take on so much.
5. Manage your time and leave time for the unexpected.
A major way to prevent stress is to manage your time and appropriate it according to what you need to do that day or week or month. Though you should remember that things don't always go according to plan, so don't worry if they don't but leave some cushion for when that happens.
6. DON'T procrastinate
Having so much on your plate is stressing you out! As soon as you can, start knocking that To Do list out.
7. Ask for advice
Know that you're not in this alone. Phone a friend, your mom (because we all know she knows how to handle anything), or go to your professor during their office hours. You have people all around you who are willing to help.
8. Race the time
If you have a competitive side to you, set a timer before you complete something and race it hoping to finish before the timer goes off.
9. Reward yourself
You are working so hard, remember to give yourself a pat on the back!
10. Have a change of scenery
Create for yourself a stress-free environment, and never work from your bed! Working from your bed will trigger your mind to lounge and sleep; then you'll never get anything done! If you're studying, take a break from the old library scene and try a campus cafe, or find a spot of the quad with your study group.
11. Take breaks
Create a routine for yourself and start your own groove. Remember you are not a machine, schedule breaks for yourself or you might go crazy!
12. Vent
When the four walls are creeping in and you feel like you are about to explode, call up a friend. Sometimes all we need to do is vent and it's nice to have a shoulder that understands and can help you get back on your feet again.
13. Baby steps
Understand that you can only take so much at one time, don't only focus on the big picture. Focus on what you can do right now and worry about later, later!
14. Let go and let God
Once you've done all that you can do, let go and let God. Relax and trust that if things are going to happen then they will happen but if they don't accept it.
