5 Strategies to Manage Stress

Do you feel overwhelmed, sad or anxious about your studies?

It is likely that you are experiencing stress and you need to do something about it before it begins to impair your daily functioning. Here are 5 simple strategies to help you manage stress.

Time Management: This is the most crucial aspect of stress management. Many of us are stressed because we are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work, we need to accomplish. Often, we further procrastinate, further adding on to the stress at the last moment. Planning in advance by setting aside time everyday for different subjects, hobbies and relaxation helps a great deal.

Talk to Someone: Talk to a parent or any trusted adult about how you feel. They will be able to empathize with you and give you ideas on overcoming stress. For instance, your mother or father may provide you your favourite comfort food on the day before an exam to help you cope.

Exercise: This doesn’t mean that you need to work out by hitting the gym everyday. You can do some mild stretches, cycle or walk for 30 minutes everyday. Having some fresh air will help put your mind at ease.

Meditate and Relax: Being Mindful and having a relaxed mind goes a long way in helping you combat stress. Partake in activities that help you feel relaxed. Playing a sport, watching films, partaking in any form of art and doing anything you like can have a profound impact in helping you feel relaxed.

Mediate by listening to music, or by just not thinking of anything for sometime. Create the mind space you need and gear yourself for the grind.

Express Emotions: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Talk about them to people you trust or express them in any way you deem suitable. Drawing, writing a diary and journaling are some ways in which you can express your emotions.

Overcoming Stress is in Your Hands

You can overcome stress by following these simple strategies. Remember that being stressed to some extent is beneficial as it pushes us to work harder. When the stress becomes overwhelming and begins having a negative impact, that when you should absolutely begin taking action.

Feeling under-confident, worried and depressed are all signs of being stressed. No matter what ensure that you eat well, sleep well and stay active to ensure that you keep stress at bay.