We’ve all heard that some stress is good for the body. It kickstarts the flight-or-fight response system in the amygdala, ready for any feat whether it is mental or physical. So what do we do when we’re constantly stressed, putting that response into overdrive?

The beginning of the semester was full of opportunities. I started school, joined new clubs, and earned some internships. Picture this: an image of me at my wooden dorm table with just the desk light illuminating my dim-lit room. Excited to learn, I flip open my financial accounting book. A month later, my accounting book resides on the ground, next to my Calculus homework and club flyers. I sit there, hardly breathing, lifeless, and stressed. So let’s talk about how to deal with stress.

Wake up early.

Hey, I’m not an early person either, but let’s be real. There isn’t enough time in the day to complete every errand and task and sleep an optimal amount of hours. Plus, waking up early ensures that you can plan out your day’s schedule. (I also heard that it feels great to get in some early morning exercise!)

Drink tea.

You want to drink tea for its calming effects and caffeine intake. Irecommend matcha green tea because although it only has 34mg of caffeine versus a regular coffee’s 60mg, the effects of matcha lasts longer, contains more antioxidants, and calms the mind.

Plan your day.

Whether it’s a weekly or monthly planner, you should always have one next to you. A planner ensures that you have a schedule whether it is made accordingly to plan or not it’ll be a guidebook for what you have to do that day. Some suggestions would be to include homework deadlines, exam dates, and weekly goals to be completed.

Exercise.

Most people don’t have the time to exercise but by waking up early and fitting in 30 minutes of cardio into your day will feel much better. You will also feel more refreshed and ready to go after working out your muscles.

Eat breakfast.

On the topic of exercising, you should also eat breakfast. Breakfast is a jumpstarter by providing you nutrients and energy to be exhausted over the course of a day. You eat a big meal to ensure you will be at your best for the next few hours. Also, eating breakfast increases your resting metabolism by 10%.

Be open-minded.

Things not going your way? Don’t feel bad about it. Life works in weird ways, and one of the rules we learn over time is to be accepting of it. Accept the unexpected changes and always strive to improve. Keep yourself positive and willing to accept alternative methods of dealing with stress.

Find a passion that soothes.

Whether your passion is playing basketball, learning yoga, or reading a novel, find something that destresses you. Take your time to focus on that passion rather than the stressors of everyday life.

Sleep well.

Everyone needs different hours of sleep per night. Me? I need about 10. Plan your day accordingly so that you get optimal hours of sleep but also plan to sleep early to kickstart your early morning the next day!

With the rise of technology and knowledge as a society, stressors tend to take over the human psyche. It is important to know that stress does not last forever, and that there are always ways to deal with stress.