As the school days keep coming, more often than not, thousands of students find themselves deep in the black pit of STRESS. Your body goes into "stress mode" when it is getting hit with any sort of demand or threat, something that makes you think "Maybe I am in too deep?"
Some people work well under stress. The more the pressure they have, the better work they produce. When you know you have a deadline, and so little time to execute your work, you hone in all of your energy until you hit that "save button" - physically or mentally.
But often, some people crack under the stress. Our minds and bodies have limits; reaching those limits can cause extreme trauma on our mental states as well as physically. Sleep deprivation is a real thing, and us as human beings can not function properly without being healthy. And trust me, the "hot mess" look (luggage under your eyes, dirty clothes, rats nest hair) ain't so hot either.
Being in college has taught me about life and about myself - somethings that these experiences I have gained that couldn't happen anywhere else. Recently, I have been discovering how well I do under stress: classes, extracurriculars, internships, exercising, and maintaining a healthy social life... it is HARD. I enjoy being busy, but I hit hills in my days where I truly wonder how insane I must be to doing all of this to myself. But in the end, I know, personally, that if I did not attend college, if I didn't pursue all of these incredible things I have in my life, I would not be the person who I am today. And I am finally starting to love who I am. I can't go back now, I don't want to.
So how do I deal with the stress? How do you deal with your stress?
Well first, breathe. Taking a few minutes to yourself, closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Breathing calms you and the oxygen flow to your brain will only benefit you. Try to find some free time to get outside and take a walk every day,
Second, fuel yourself the right way. Although eating those sugary junk foods is what you want to do (I know this on a personal level), these foods aren't assisting you in any sort of way besides a sugar high. Keep yourself hydrated with water and swap out those candy bars and pizza slices for some sweet tasting, brain foods: blueberries, nuts, broccoli, etc.
Most importantly, make a schedule! Write everything down, even if you think you are going to remember it. Having a planner was probably one of the best school-related purchases I have ever made. With my schedule written out in front of me, I can dedicate hours to myself just to relax, catch up on sleep, and exercise. You choose what you do with your own free time.
These next few months are going to be stressful, but don't lose this combat against stress. Good luck out there friends!
