Coping with Stress
Stress is everywhere. We’ve all experienced it, and maybe even cried over it (I’m guilty of it!). As a college student, my train of thought goes a little something like this: I need this many credits to graduate in this many years, and then I need this internship to get this job, and I’d like to be married by this age, and then all of a sudden I’m stressed out about how I’m going to support my imaginary kids.
Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for stress. It’s something we all have to live with. But we can all take our stress into our own hands and learn to cope with it. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with a little stress, but when it starts to consume you, that’s when it’s time to take action.
1. Take Five
Stop what you’re doing! Drop the pencil, close the notebook, shut down the laptop, put away the phone and breathe! Take some time to yourself and clear your head. Take a quick trip to your happy place and enjoy.
2. Netflix and Chill?
But actually. Netflix and chill. Take a break and watch one of your favorite TV shows. Sometimes the ones with the best advice are your imaginary friends on TV. Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe have definitely been there for me when the rain starts to poor!
Set an alarm on your phone for when the episode is over to break you out of the Netflix trance and immediately shut it off before the 15 seconds are up.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
After hours in the library or at a desk, sometimes I forget that more exists outside of it. Go outside and walk around for a bit. Depending on the season, the length of the walk may vary. Being from Michigan, I am no stranger to the cold, and definitely not a fan of it, but there is still beauty in the white snow and the crisp air (with the proper attire of course) that we can sometimes overlook.
4. Socialize
Stress can sometimes lead to hermit-like tendencies. Take a minute to go hang out with friends! Even if you can’t quite get yourself out of your room, give someone a call. Specifically, hang out with someone who can make you laugh. As cliché as it may be, I truly believe laughter is the best medicine.
5. Coffee Coffee Coffee
6. Yoga
Stress can start to take a tole on your body! Whether you're following a DVD, doing a few basic moves in your room, or going to a studio, yoga is a huge help to clear your head and relax your body!
7. Treat Yo Self
Set up a reward system for yourself. If I accomplish this much, then I can have/do ______. My rewards usually involve some sort of dessert. Never fails to get me motivated!
8. Cry it Out
Just let it all out! Sometimes all it takes is a good cry to get you back on your feet! Embrace the cry!
9. Color!
Who says coloring is just for kids?? Coloring is an awesome stress reliever! Someone came out with a brilliant idea -- adult coloring books!
10. Sing Your Heart
Crank up the music and belt it out!! Dance around the room! Go old school and grab a hair brush and just let it out.
11. Organize
Think ahead! Take a look at your schedule and map it out. Give yourself a goal each day so you’re not stressing about everything last-minute. Get on top of you stress! It does not control you. You control it!
