With the semester coming to a close, it's reasonable to assume that you have a lot of tasks to complete and loose ends to tie. Whether it is studying for finals, preparing to move out or looking for summer jobs, it can cause a lot of stress. Feeling completely overwhelmed at all times of the day is not fun, so it is important to handle all types of stress in a healthy way.
First off, breathe. In order to conquer what is stressing you out, you have to know what is, and then be calm to try to overcome it. If you're struggling with a class or a tough decision and feel like a rope is pulling you away from your social life, take the time to analyze and think through the issue. Remember: Breathing and taking a step back from the situation will help you view it differently. Don't let yourself feel like you are drowning. Everyone is affected by stress in their own way, and it is important to not get angry at what is stressing you, and to not get angry at others because they seem to be handling the same problem differently or better. If you're having trouble in a class, seek out tutoring or schedule a meeting with your professor. They are usually super helpful or could give you extensions on the assignment because, generally, professors really do want to see their students perform well. Odds also are you're not the only student struggling, so the professor might even have a study session or extra office hour.
Having healthy alternatives to stress is what gets me through the day. Staying active and blocking out time each day to run, lift or take a fitness class is always a nice distraction from the tremendous amounts of homework that need to be completed. Even taking a quick nap throughout the day gives your mind and body time to shut down and relax for a bit. Just make sure to give yourself time to rest and think in between activities. Take 10 minutes to breathe deeply and relax, and that will help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. Or even do an enjoyable activity like reading a book or watching a movie. This way, you give your brain a break from going 1,000 miles a minute.
Eat a snack like an apple or banana, and avoid caffeinated drinks and foods that are high in sugar. You think coffee is helping you, but it's really the thing that is inhibiting you. Caffeine gives you a quick fix and then fails you an hour or two later when you crash. Handling stress alone is never fun. Talking to a friend, working out with a friend or just hanging out with friends helps contain stress and makes it easier to handle. Talking to friends is a place where you feel comfortable and can just vent and go on tangents in a judgment-free zone. Stress is nothing to be ashamed of because everyone goes through it.
I know it almost seems like our generation thrives while being stressed because of everything we have going on and all the things others expect us to do. In reality, stress is not healthy. Take time for yourself, remember to breathe, watch a movie or work out. Remember that you know yourself better than anyone else does, and that your stress is manageable. Inhale, exhale and carry on.
