This is a stressful time of year as we come to the end of the semester. Here are 12 Stress Management Tips that you can try as you attempt to reduce the amount of stress you are experiencing.
When you lower your stress level, you improve your memory.
Try at least one of these strategies today!
Managing Stress Tip #1
LAUGH MORE
Laughter is one of the most effective ways to manage stress.
Psychoneuroimmunology: This science says that laughter can help boost your immune system and make you less prone to colds and the flu.
Managing Stress Tip #2
BE FLEXIBLE
Being more flexible helps you manage stress by allowing you to try different ways of talking to people and dealing with events rather than acting out of habit or doing what makes you feel safe.
Managing Stress #3
Learn to SAY “NO!” and Prioritize…
Reduce the demands that are placed on you. Are you a “yay-sayer”? : “Sure I’ll do all the work for the group”, “Certainly I can work overtime anytime you need me to.
Managing Stress Tip #4
MAKE MISTAKES & LEARN TO LIVE WITH THEM
Set reasonable goals and strive to do your best. Learn from failure but don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake. We all make them and the best learning comes from mistakes.
Managing Stress Tip #5
SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
A sure way to reduce your stress is to do less and re-evaluate your commitments. Choose one or two activities that you truly enjoy. Reducing demands on your time, will definitely reduce your stress.
Managing Stress Tip #6
GET ACTIVE: Exercise has a positive effect on your mood and immune system.
EAT WELL: Stress drains your body of energy, consequently you need to nourish it with food that will combat the stress. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc.
Managing Stress Tip #7
REST, SLEEP & RECREATION
On average, adults need between 7-8 hours of sleep each night for a healthy body and mind. We also need periods of rest during the day: a nap or “time out”. We cannot be creative or solve problems effectively if we don’t have a break or chance to just rest. For your brain to work at it’s best, it needs rest.
Managing Stress Tip #8
FACE YOUR DIFFICULTIES
Don’t run away from difficulties because you feel it’s easier than facing them. Before you begin your school day, reflect on unfinished business and how you will resolve it. Give yourself positive coping messages: “This is going to be tough, but I can handle it.” Try to make a note of times that you have pushed through and were successful. This is where to put your focus.
Managing Stress Tip #9
TALK TO OTHERS
Find a friend or someone you feel comfortable sharing with and tell them about your day. Talking to other people and getting things off your chest can help improve your body’s physical health. You may learn another way of looking at your stressful situation that is healthier for you.
Managing Stress Tip #10
CUT DOWN ON CAFFEINE
Caffeine is a strong stimulant that causes your body to be stressed. You’ll feel more relaxed, sleep better, feel less jittery throughout the day and have more energy. Just cut down and see what happens for you.
Managing Stress Tip #11
CHANGE THE SITUATION
This involves focusing on what you are doing to change the event that is bothering you. For Example: If you are upset by someone’s behaviour, avoid him or her. If you get angry in heavy traffic, choose a different time to travel. If you don’t like your job/ program, make plans to change.
Managing Stress Tip #12
CHANGE YOUR REACTION or PERSPECTIVE
Sometimes you cannot influence the people or events that distress you. Changing your reaction to these stressful situations can help: For Example: Go for a quick walk at lunch instead of reaching for a cup of coffee to help you through a stressful school/ work day. Decide to focus on the people who are supportive in your life rather than the ones who are not.
Book an appointment with a counsellor to work on any of the areas above. Counsellors offer personal one-to-one counselling to help build your Stress Tolerance and Management skills.
Contact Me!! I would love to hear from you 🙂
Dr. Heather Drummond, Ed.D. (Counselling Psychology)
Success Coach * Professor * Passionate Advocate for the Success of Students
heather.drummond@mohawkcollege.ca