Tips on handling stressful situations
Stress surrounds the lives of a college student through school, relationships and work. However, with a few beneficial tips, handling stress does not have to be difficult.
A great way to deal with stress is to clear the mind. A great way to clear the mind is through physical activity and exercise. Exercising does not have to be about spending hours in a hot, sweaty gym. Plenty of outdoor activities also work great, such as snowboarding, running and hiking.
In a place such as Boulder, hiking is one of the easiest ways to exercise.
“Sometimes when I feel like I have a lot on my plate with school I like to go on a hike and it just kind of puts me and ease and clears my mind,” said Michael Crider, a sophomore international affairs major.
The American Institute of Stress article “Stress Reduction, Stress Relievers” states certain forms of physical activity do a great job on stress reduction.
One such form of exercise that is extremely popular is yoga, which is not only physically beneficial but mentally beneficial as well due to its ability to relax the mind.
“Yoga comes from the unknown. It brings you into the present moment,” said Linda Taylor, an instructor at Core Power Yoga.
A lot of students love yoga because it helps them enter a pleasant state of mind.
“It makes me feel peaceful because it helps by putting you in a state of mind and helps lift up weight,” said Jessica Leonard, a senior English major.
By doing yoga regularly, a stress free life can be achieved with a clear head.
“Yoga clears your mind with reducing activity in your mind. If you are really stressed it would helps to do it about three times a week,” Taylor said.
If physical activity is not what helps, talking is a great therapeutic method.
According to The American Stress Institute, emotional support from group therapy, family or friends can really help someone during stressful times.
Sleep is also vital for reducing stress.
“It’s hard because I stress because I can’t sleep and I can’t sleep because I stress,” Crider said.
The American Institute of Stress also points out avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulates can help a person relax, as does eating right and sleeping eight hours a night.
Having a stressful life is unavoidable but it doesn’t mean it has to take over life. By taking time to focus on the self rather than hectic surroundings can help achieve a peaceful paced life.
If stress is extremely overwhelming there are resources that can help like these listed below.
The American Institute of Stress
Wardenburg Health Center
http://www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/php/group2.html#stressgroup
Core Power Yoga
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Amanda Bernaudo at Bernaudo@colorado.edu.
