Managing your Stress

Everyone deals with stress differently and there are many different strategies to increase your ability to handle it and reduce your level of stress. The more you do to prevent stress before it happens, the less likely it will be a part of your life!

Take a few minutes and write down the things that stress you out. Brainstorm what may help you overcome these stressors or what has helped in the past. Choose a few practical solutions and try them out before the next time you know you may become stressed. Then evaluate them, did they help? What might work better?

Place your hands on your belly button. Breathe deeply through your nose, feeling your hands rise as your abdomen fills with air. Still inhaling, count to three and feel your chest expand. Hold your breath momentarily, and then slowly release it. Repeat several times.

When your body is well-fed, stress won't have as great of an impact on your health. Make sure to eat regularly, eat your veggies, add high-fiber foods to your diet, have healthy snacks on hand, and trade caffeine for sleep.

Regular exercise can increase your energy, overall health, and improve your mood. Pick something that you like doing since almost any type of exercise can help reduce and relieve stress. Feeling too busy to exercise? Even a 30 minute walk can have a positive effect on your stress.

Getting enough sleep is vital to good health, grades, and being less stressed. Try making one small change to your sleep habits each week.

Alcohol use and smoking can actually create stress and worsen its negative effects. Not having alcohol or cigarettes before bed can help improve your quality of sleep and therefore help you be less stressed!

Having a strong support system of friends and family can act as a buffer against the negative effects of stress. Keep in contact with your family and talk to a friend or family member about your stress. Take advantage of your relaxation time and get dinner, a mani-pedi, or go on a walk with a friend.

Not having enough time and money is a frequent source of stress. Consider making a monthly budget and a schedule for your week. Here are some helpful tips to start managing your time and money.

Practicing yoga, meditation, or Pilates can help you regulate your breathing and become more mindful and aware of your views, thoughts, and feelings.

Struggling with stress around covid or remote learning? Check out these short videos on mental health tips during this pandemic.

Coloring book for students is full of mandalas and motivational quotes. Coloring can help calm the brain and decrease stress. It is also a great way to rejuvenate during a study break. Downloadable!