Five Ways to Stress Less
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Summer is around the corner and we’re winding into May which can mean a lot of great things - vacations, the beach, barbeques, and finals. Some are preparing for graduation, adding another layer to the already complicated and stressful process. Have you found yourself asking, “Am I prepared? Did I turn in that assignment? Can I cram an hour before the exam and squeeze in a power nap?” It might be time to slow down and use some helpful tips for managing stress.
Prioritizing - Write it out. Make a list of the tasks you need to complete and order them from most to least important. It feels great to check things off as you go!
Plan ahead, create a schedule, and STICK TO IT - This seems a little tricky at first but the more you can plan, the less stressed you will feel knowing what is coming next. You can’t speed up the process and make the stress be over but at least you can plan for what is to come. It can also be helpful to know what you can do to cope if some of your plans get derailed for example - ask for help, email a professor, or take some time off work if possible.
Getting adequate sleep and making sure you eat - I know, this seems basic right? However, when we’re in a state of stress and anxiety the little things like breakfast and a well-balanced meal get lost in the constant “GO GO GO” of the day. Carry around some snacks if needed! As for sleep, our brains need the fuel. Running on little to no sleep is physically and emotionally taxing on our bodies and brains. This is where planning ahead comes in handy to make sure you get a good night's rest.
Exercise - If possible, get a bit of exercise. You don’t have to get up and spend an hour in the gym or run a half marathon. Put a 5 minute yoga video on youtube, stretch, go for a walk around the block. Anything that gets your body moving and your blood flowing!
Talk to someone about how you’re feeling - You are definitely not alone! This is a stressful time for many students and it’s not just school related. Many folks may be dealing with issues at work, difficulties in their relationships, or financial stressors. Talk to a friend or family member to get some support and be heard. Therapy can also be a great place to get some insight on the patterns that lead to increased stress and learn to manage it in a healthy way. Do something that will help you reduce toxic stress and improve your emotional well-being.
Are you a student in need of support managing your stress? REACH OUT TO US and ask about our special rates to make mental wellness accessible while you’re in school and get connected with a provider specializing in supporting folks through the college experience.
Gather and Grow OC supports students at Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton College, Chapman University, University of California, Irvine and our local Orange County Community Colleges. We also offer therapy services via video chat for ALL California residents if transportation is a challenge.
Along with Natalie's extensive background working with families and trauma, she has a focus on the importance of healthy relationships, self-care, and truly believes in the mind and body connection.
