Dealing with Stress 101

Ahhhh spring fever! We all have it. Even if you’re dying from these horrible allergies! However, as we start to near the beginning of April, stress seems to loom all over. For students, this means finals are coming and everything seems to be due all of the same day. This also means the semester is about to end. For parents, this means strategizing what to do with their kids for the next 3 months and planning family vacations. So needless to say there is multitasking all over the place!!

With all that being said, this week I’m going to keep my post kind of short. I just wanted to talk to you guys about some of my favorite ways to cope with stress.

To start, it’s important to recognize that we are all different. Therefore we all react to stress differently. For me I am the complete opposite of a stress eater. Actually I stress starve! When I get stressed out I get super nautious and anxious. I tend to only eat one small meal a day when it get’s really bad. I think it’s just because I get in this mindset that it’s impossible to find time for some reason. Plus I’m sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t like to eat when they’re nautious.

Step #1: REMEMBER TO BREATHE!

I seriously cannot put enough emphasis on this! So many people stress out and can’t figure out how to take a step back. It’s so important to be able to pause and wrap your head around your tasks.

Step #2: Make a list

Once you are able to take a step back, take your phone out, go to your notes and create a list. Start from the beginning and continue. List out things that need to get done that day. Having a visual representation of what I have going on always helps me understand and prioritize.

Step #3: Take it step by step

Ironically enough I am giving you steps on how to take steps... Focusing on one thing at a time will help you conserve your sanity. Being able to multitask is good and all, but sometimes focusing at the task at hand can be even more important.

If you can stick to these 3 steps for time management, you can get through any day!

Now the next list are just things that I personally like to do when I’m stressed out that help me relax. Find what relaxes you and do it!

1. Take a warm bath with soft jazz music and a glass of wine.

2. Sit outside on a nice day and just focus on breathing

3. I love going on walks when I stress, especially on a beautiful day

4. Drink some ginger ale or Gatorade (helps with my nausea)

5. SLEEP!!!

Number 5 is so important. Sleep is so detrimental to your health. If you don’t sleep, your body wont be able to properly function thus not able to handle stress or day to day activities as efficiently. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Keep in mind that nothing in the world is more important than that!

That’s all for today guys! For those students out there reading this, hang in there. We only have 5 weeks left. For any parents reading this, don’t worry, school starts again in approximately 3 months after that and will be here before we know it!

-Keep Shining!