Deciding to start your educational journey can lead to being in some stressful situations, so it is important to find ways to manage stress before you become overwhelmed. November 2nd is National Stress Awareness Day, and WVJC brings you 7 tips to help manage stress!
1.) Balance Your Personal Life With Your School Life
It is vital to maintain a healthy balance between your personal life and schooling without putting too much weight on one or the other. Creating an equal blend of the two can help you manage stress levels. For more specific tips on balancing school and life, check out this blog from our sister school, East Ohio College!
2.) Discover Your Hobbies
During times of stress, it can be important to take a break to clear your mind and do something you enjoy. Not only can this make you feel more productive, but it can also direct your focus away from the stressor. Discovering hobbies that make you feel relaxed can be a great way to relieve stress, although it is crucial not to lose track of time. Setting a timer or reminder on your phone can prevent time from slipping away.
3.) Be Active
Another way you can eliminate stress is to do some form of exercise. Doing a workout, yoga, or even walking can help clear your mind. According to the Mayo Clinic, being active can help improve your mood by increasing endorphins and reducing the adverse effects of stress.
4.) Get Proper Sleep and Meals
A crucial part of managing stress is to get the proper amount of sleep and nutrition. According to WebMD, the average adult requires between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night, but some adults may need as many as 10 hours. Getting enough sleep can make you more productive and help avoid mood swings caused by sleep deprivation.
Additionally, making sure you are eating balanced meals can also help reduce stress. Starting the day with a good breakfast can provide the proper nutrients and energy you need to get through the day. Being low on energy can cause brain fog and make your tasks take longer than necessary, leading to increased stress.
5.) Talk It Out
If you feel yourself starting to get overwhelmed with stress, an excellent way to eliminate it is to talk to someone. Whether it be a close friend, family member, or therapist, communication with someone you trust can help you get your concerns off your chest and manage your stress.
6.) Set Boundaries And Respect Them
Another way to manage your stress is by setting boundaries and sticking to them. Overextending yourself can make it hard to manage all the tasks you have to complete, and setting boundaries can make it easier for you to say no to additional things that might add extra stress to your life.
7.) Participate In Relaxing Activities
Along with your hobbies, participating in relaxation activities can help you decrease stress. Things like meditation, yoga, and music can help keep you calm and clear your mind of stressors. While these things are helpful, they should not be used to procrastinate your work. Setting a timer or reminder can help you know when to get back on task. You can do anything that you find relaxing, but some everyday things that many people do to destress are:
Meditation
Meditation requires no special equipment or space, making it an accessible, quick, and easy way to reduce stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation helps you control your emotions, therefore helping you manage stress.
Music
Listening to music is another option for reducing stress and managing emotions. According to a study conducted by Michigan State University, listening to music can stimulate the production of dopamine, which can improve the listener’s overall well-being.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to combine physical activity with mental relaxation. According to the American Osteopathic Association, one of the most significant benefits of yoga is developing coping skills that lead to stress relief.
WVJC Is Here For You!
If you’re looking to start your education in an environment that cares about you, look no further than WVJC! Our academic team and career services department will give you the support you need to have a successful educational experience.
Get started today by Requesting Information!