Stress is something that we all know very well. Personally, I tend to get stressed out very easily. I get stressed out over having more than one exam on the same day. I get stressed out over not knowing what to wear. I get stressed out over what I should eat for breakfast. Life is just one big stressor okay?!?!
But there are definitely ways to handle stress, even if you're like me and can make anything a stressful situation. Whether the stressor is big or small, we should all learn how to cope in healthy and effective ways.
Obviously, I'm not a doctor. I'm an English major, actually. But I just wanted to share some of the ways that I handle my stress in hopes that it can be helpful to others.
1. Talk To Someone You Trust
That could be anyone - a friend, a family member. For me, my go-to person is my mom. No matter how overwhelmed, stressed, upset, or sad I might be, she helps me work out the problem(s) in front of me in a rational manner, and shows me that things aren't as bad as they seem. And if you don't want to unload all your problems, talking to someone else is just a good distraction and might boost your mood.
2. Make A List And Plan It Out
I do this all the time, and I think it really helps organize my mind and priorities. Instead of having all of the things that you 'need' to do floating around in your head, commit it to paper. Look at the list you have made and decide what's the most important. You can either re-write your list in order of importance, put little numbers next to each item (1, 2, 3...), or put little marks next to the big stuff, which is what I do. Divide and conquer. A strategy as old as time. I know that the list might seem daunting at first, but you just have to take a deep breath and go in with the mindset that you'll get everything done. And it's so satisfying checking off an item from your list.
3. Take Time For Yourself
Self-care is so, so important. Take it from someone who used to not practice self-care and ended up realizing that she felt miserable all the time and completely burned out. Now, I make taking care of myself a priority, and I believe that everyone should too. Self-care means doing stuff that you enjoy. For me, that means curling up with a good book. Taking a walk in a park. Watching an episode on Netflix. Simple, easy to do things that allow your mind to calm down for a bit. Some other suggestions: practicing yoga (or just doing some stretching), taking a shower/bath, playing with a pet, coloring (adult coloring books are great!), painting your nails, etc. Sometimes the best thing to do in a stressful situation is to take a step back for awhile.
4. Eat Something Delicious
Okay, okay, I know that food shouldn't be constantly used as a way to make yourself feel better. But sometimes you have a long, exhausting day and you just need some ice cream. Or pizza. Or whatever. If you think it will only make you feel better, go for it. Last year, after every one of my math exams, I treated myself to one of the school's amazing big cookies, and it definitely made me feel better after taking a grueling test in my worst subject.
5. Take A Nap
If you can, get a solid hour or two of sleep, regardless of what time it is. Snuggle into your bed, close your eyes, and try to relax your mind. Sometimes I find myself waking up from a nap with a new attitude, mood, or mindset. Proper rest is very important.
6. Remember That Everything Is Going To Be Okay
It might not seem like it when you have three exams to study for, two papers to write, and a group project to work on, but the overwhelming stress will pass. One thing I have learned from school (see! I did learn something!) is that the insanely busy periods tend to come and go. Some last longer than others, definitely, but they don't last forever. I promise. You have gotten through worse. You can get through this.
