You run your hand through your hair for the hundredth time as you pace the floor back and forth. Your shoulders are tense and you can’t concentrate. You have three papers due, a speech to perfect, and work this weekend. You may wonder why this is, stress is your body’s way of reacting to a demand or a threat. Your nervous system sends a rush of hormones to your brain causing you to want to take action according to Jeanne.
How do you manage all of this stress? Lexi Boyce, a junior says, “I tend to turn to sweet and salty foods because I eat when I am stressed.” According to Jeanne Segal, a psychiatric doctor, this is a common symptom of stress.
“I have group chats with people in my classes, so I can talk through some of the problems I face,” says Ashlen Grubbs a sophomore. There are many ways of coping with stress:
- Talk to someone, it’s not a bad thing that you need someone to chat with. Everyone needs someone and chances are the person you confide in will be flattered that you trust them enough to talk about what’s bothering you.
- Get moving: Movement helps to get your nervous system back into balance, which is good if your nerves are shot.
- Have YOU time: Always set aside some time for hobbies, as these activities help you to relax. This relaxation will help your body fight off the symptoms of stress.
- Eat something healthy: A healthy diet prepares your body to cope with a stressful day. You also fight the urge to stress-snack.
- Sleep: Be sure to get lots of sleep. Feeling tired can increase your stress levels because your tiredness will lead to irrational thinking.
Everyone handles their stress in different ways. Sophomore Zoe Blair says, “I pace a lot, like its extreme.” Managing your stress is not all that hard when you know how. Senior Matthew Strock says, “I usually I whittle or I play videogames, that is how I manage stress.” Stress may be a part of your daily life, but it does not have to rule your life.
Bibliography
Segal, Jeanne, Malinda Smith, et, al. Help Guide.org. September 2015. document. 13 January 2016.