Is anyone else feeling the stress? I feel like it’s all around us. From work, to school, to politics, these times are surely full of it. We all experience stress in different ways, but none the less it is a part of everyone’s lives, and these days, a bigger and bigger part. The scary thing about stress is that anything can cause it, literally anything. From a shoe getting dirty to a fight with a friend to an upcoming exam, the feeling can overwhelm a person and drive them crazy. Even things that aren’t meant to be stressful can cause major anxiety simply because everyone is different and people get stressed out by different things. Some people may say they don’t experience this feeling, but is it really possible to live a life where nothing causes you to get upset or worry? To this question I must say no, but there are definitely ways we can all learn to handle our stress.

Since everyone is stressed about different things, it makes sense that each person handles their stress in a particular manner. Some people may need to take a break from their lives. Yes, you heard me, take a day off! Try to forget your troubles and do something relaxing, like treating yourself to a massage or a day alone in bed, full of sleep and comfort food. Some people just need to get out of their own heads, for this I would suggest watching a TV show or listening to your favorite music. I know it sounds weird but when you turn up the volume and find a way to get away from your own thoughts you can drown them out. Think about it, when you are delving into the lives of your favorite character or letting your head drift to the tune of a new song you can forget your troubles for a while. For people who keep their stress bottled up inside them, it is definitely smart to let them out. Tell someone how and what you are feeling. This person could be your best friend, your mom, a therapist, it really doesn’t matter. Keeping all of your feelings inside can only add to your stress level, I mean have you ever heard of someone feeling better after swallowing their secrets and never letting them out? It eats at you until you become overwhelmed and the stress just gets worse from there.

Another option for people dealing with stress is to lead a healthier lifestyle. Try going on a run (yes the treadmill counts). When you work out, the only thing you focus on is how much longer you have to go. Thoughts of the exam you just got a bad grade on fly out of your brain as you sweat out your troubles. Another method for a less stressful lifestyle is to eat healthier. When people are stressed, they tend to eat anything and everything in sight. For me, those foods usually consist of ice cream and pizza, but I’m sure you have your favorites too. And, have you ever known pizza to ease your body and mind? Eating healthy causes people to feel better in their own skin and therefore be able to deal with stress more easily.

So anyone out there feeling the stress of a new semester, a difficult work environment, a new president just know we are all here with you. Although these moments can certainly get you down, stay strong and try out some of these methods. Just remember we are all in this together!