10 Ways to Manage Stress

Now that we are coming closer and closer to the end of the semester I think it is a good time to talk about stress management. We all get stressed out at the end of the semester to some degree whether we can admit it or not. Here are ten ways of managing and reducing unnecessary stress I found in a Readers Digest Article.

1. Try and eliminate as many sources of stress as you can. For example if you don't like crowds, try and go get your next semesters schedule adjusted at a time when there will be less people in Wilson104.
2. If you are constantly late, sit down with pen and paper and hash out your plans for the day, and how you should allot your time accordingly. If it takes you ten minutes to talk to class, don't leave 3 minutes before class starts. If you can''t make time for something in your day, skip it. It can always be accomplished tomorrow.
3. Be sure to avoid situations that you know are going to be stressful. For example, if you know your golf game makes you angry and stressed, avoid playing it.
4. If you can't remove the stress, remove yourself. Make sure to have enough private time in your day to relax and unwind. Another key here is to avoid stressful people. They are not helping you in your rime of stress.
5. Life is not a competition, so avoid this nasty habit. Don't let other people provoke envy in you. Being jealous is a unnecessary self-inflicted stress.
6. Try and avoid the use of "labor saving devices". Often these things just create more stress. For example your Blackberry might keep you organized, but is it encouraging you to cram too many activities into one day? If you need an electronic calender on your person 24/7 you might be trying to do to much.
7. Make sure to do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is not a good idea. Keep focused on one task, and when it is completed, move on to the next.
8. Sometimes it is okay to relax and do nothing for a while. Everybody needs some down time to recharge the batteries.
9. If you happen to be suffering from insomnia, headaches, recurring colds, or constant upset stomachs, this might be from stress. Remember that Mental health is a big part of your overall health.
10. If you feel like you can not manage your stress, seek professional help like a doctor or therapist. These people can truly help manage your stress, no matter what people might say about them or you.

These are ten good tips to keep in mind during this stressful time of year, and any time you might be feeling that stress is getting the best of you.


http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/10-ways-to-manage-stress/article12557.html