5 Ways to Beat the Stress

We all know what it’s like to be stressed. Maybe it’s the last day to study for your final exams, the last few hours before you have to turn in your essay, or the last couple minutes before you enter into a job interview.

I think we can all agree that stress is not fun. So here are a few tips to help you reduce stress no matter what situation you’re in!

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

1. Map or list it out

Most of us get stressed because we are overwhelmed. If you are the kind of person who likes to plan things out and stay organized, mapping the things you need to do in your head (or physically on paper) can help you reduce stress.

It’s a simple act of organizing, but can be greatly helpful to relieving some of your stress when you have a big task to tackle.

💡 Separate a big task into smaller activities. That way, you don’t get overwhelmed with a big task, but can tackle each one and celebrate small victories along the way.

2. Get enough sleep

Although it may be tempting, as students, to stay up all night studying for a test the next day, it may actually be wiser to prioritize your sleep instead. Experts say that we need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your brain and body recharge for the next day.

💡 When you sleep, your body compartmentalizes (or organizes) everything that you’ve learned that day. So when you’re studying for a big test, or need to memorize some things, sleep will actually help you retain that knowledge.

3. Get up and move

One of the quickest and easiest remedies for stress is to simply take a break. Get up from your chair (or whatever it is that you’re doing) and get moving. Take a quick walk, or do a quick meditation. These simple activities (that don’t need to take up much time) can quickly get you out of your stressful headspace.

💡 Some more rigorous exercises, like running, boxing, or playing a sport, can help you release some of that stressful energy. Exercise can help you focus on something else and significantly improve your mood

4. Eat well

Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables, as well as getting enough vitamins and nutrients? Food not only affects your physical health, but it can also affect your mental health. When you’re not getting enough nutrients from the food you eat, you can begin to lack in the nutrients (like magnesium) that actually help regulate stress and mood in your body.

Sometimes, stress can lead some people to overeating (stress eating, often finding comfort in food), and others to under-eating (losing their appetite).

5. Practice self-care

Self-care is a word we’ve been hearing a lot, especially when the pandemic hit. It’s a broad terms that basically means doing something that you love that is good for you and your mental and physical wellbeing.

Self-care looks different on everyone. Maybe for you, it’s to take the day off for yourself and read a book in your room. For others, it may be to dress up, get out of the house, and eat at a fancy restaurant. Whatever works for you, practice it. Make time and space for you, no matter what is going on in your work and academic life.

💡 Practicing self-care is not about avoiding your work and tasks. Instead, it’s taking time (no matter how long or short) for yourself so you can feel refreshed and re-energized to continue doing your job at your best and fullest capacity.