April is Stress Awareness Month! With finals right around the corner, this is the perfect time to reflect on our mental health. , stress is a state of worry and mental tension caused by a difficult situation.
While stress is completely natural and prompts us to deal with challenges, too much stress can cause , such as concentration issues, stomach pains, difficulty sleeping and more. Check out our tips to manage stress, and finish up the semester feeling confident and at ease!
Keep to a Regular Routine
Some of us love change, while others hate it. However, during stressful times, sticking to a daily routine can help you feel more in control. Build your routine around your sleep schedule to ensure you鈥檙e rested before starting other tasks. Then, schedule homework, chores, social activities and any other responsibilities you have. Sticking to your schedule will make you feel accomplished and disciplined while also helping with time management.
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Body
Stress is often perpetuated by our own overthinking. We can often think ourselves into a negative spiral, turning a stressful situation into an unbearable one. If you notice your mind and heart racing, take as much time as you need to reconnect yourself to the present moment. Take a few deep breaths, do a quick body scan or engage in some low-intensity yoga. Simply moving your body a small amount can break you out of a negative thought pattern.
Resist the Urge to Isolate
If we鈥檙e feeling stressed out due to work or school obligations, we may feel guilty if we take a break from work to hang out with our friends and loved ones. However, improving our personal relationships and spending time with those close to us is a common stress management technique. , 鈥淐onnecting with others can lift our mood and help us feel less stressed.鈥
Be Mindful of Eating Habits
Stress can cause a variety of body issues, such as stomach issues and loss of appetite. This often results in eating too much or not eating enough. When we don鈥檛 feel well physically, it makes it even more difficult to take care of ourselves mentally. So, while it might feel difficult, it鈥檚 incredibly important to stick to a consistent eating schedule in times of stress. If possible, also try to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet during periods of stress.
Check Out Campus Resources
If you are having trouble managing stress on your own or just wish to practice stress management in a comfortable group environment, check out the many activities and classes offered by the Barnes Center at The Arch. Classes and activities great for stress management are , 聽and the .
We hope these tips will help you handle stress during finals week and beyond. The Peel wishes you the best of luck on your finals and any other future endeavors!
Written By Madison Manczko 鈥24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications