Managing Stress

I'm back from Spring break and I've come to the conclusion that I need another week to relax from the events of the break. I was definitely not ready to go to my 10 a.m. class this morning and I'm definitely not ready to continue the "sending out resume slash job hunt" process. There are only about six weeks of classes left and with end of the semester projects and tests for classes, graduation details, and the real world job search, I don't know about all of you, but I'm a little stressed, actually A LOT stressed! I found some tips on the University of Pittsburgh's health education website that can help you manage those stressful moments and to make the next couple months go smoother.

TIPS TO MANAGE STRESS

1. Manage Your Time Effectively: Making to-do lists and using a daily planner can allow you to map out all your class assignments, work hours, meetings, and of course time for yourself. You should prioritize the most important activities and do them first.

2. Exercise: Physical activity is one of the best ways when it comes to dealing with stress. While releasing endorphines, it is able to give you a natural "high."

3. Avoid Using Drugs or Alcohol: Drugs and alcohol will only mask the symptoms of stress and once you stop using them, the stress will return.

4. Take a Break: During the day, you should schedule time for short breaks to help minimize your stress. Stretch, visit a friend, or go for a walk. These short breaks will help you work more efficiently.

5. Minimize Interruptions: When you have something really important that you need to get done, make sure to block off a time so that you will not be disturbed or have any distractions. Go to a place where no one can find you and turn your phone to silent.

6. Eat Healthy Foods: Make sure to pack healthy foods if you are going to be gone all day and avoid food that is high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Make sure not to skip meals because that will make you have less energy.

7. Think Positive and Learn to Control Worry: Instead of focusing on the negative thoughts, focus on the positive things in your life and say at least one positive thing about yourself and your life everyday. Worrying about things you can't change or always expecting the worst is a waste of time.

8. Know When You Need Help and Get It: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. There are many resources, especially at universities, available to students to help deal with stress and other problems.

9. Learn to Say NO: Don't feel guilty when you have to tell others no. If you take on additional projects or work for others when you are already busy will cause more stress that you don't need.

10: Put Stressful Situations in Perspective: You should think to yourself, "Will this really matter in a month or a year from now?"

11. Get Enough Sleep: Most people need around 6-9 hours of sleep per night, but if you're under a lot of stress, many people will just forget about sleep when they have to finish work. Don't let this happen.

To read more about dealing with stress from the University of Pittsburgh's health education website, click here .