Primer gives ten great tips on how to manage stress — something I have definitely had my fair share of over the past four years. This summer, I began to harness the stress and turn it into something positive: productivity. Here’s a look at their tips:
- Don’t overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion: I know, I know. You gotta cram for that huge history final. But could you have started studying a week earlier? Could you have done a little bit each day to avoid this night ahead? Planning ahead makes a huge difference in your sleep cycle.
- Eat right: I can’t say I follow this advice regularly, but I have cut back on caffeine a lot since school ended. Don’t drink or eat things thank make you feel antsy.
- Exercise every day: This is also something I’ve tried this summer. I never had “time” to exercise in college. If it’s important, though, you make time. And exercising gives you more energy and gives you a healthy outlet for stress. Angry at your professor? I suggest kickboxing.
- Practice relaxation: I started doing yoga seriously this summer, and it’s made me a more stress-free person all together. It doesn’t matter if you’re not spiritual or into the whole “breathing through your toes” thing. It teaches patience, balance and discipline — all qualities that lead to a stress-free you.
- Networking: Make friends and keep in touch. Yes, it’s hard to find time to call your buddies when you’re busy finishing a paper, but it might make you relax a bit. Knowing that you have a strong group of friends - or someone you can talk to in times of distress - will help you get through those tough times.
- Develop routines: But not to the point where you get stressed out if your routine gets messed up. It’s hard as a college student with ever-changing class and work schedules, but try to find something to depend on in your life. For example, coffee at 8 a.m. every day or going for a jog right after your 2 p.m. class lets out.
- Practice thinking positive: As a recent college grad looking for a job (in the worst job market in a long, long time) it’s been difficult at times to think positively. But it’s what gets me through the times where I’m only getting rejection letters. Being a positive person has helped me continue to apply for jobs and keep my head up.
- Reduce alcohol consumption: This has never been a problem for me, but I know that sometimes after a hard day at work nothing tastes as sweet as an ice cold beer. Or tequila shot. Just try to limit these vices.
- Learn to say no: If you can’t do it, don’t say you can. Don’t take on that extra project at work if it’s just going to stress you out. Say “no” when you want to (if it’s applicable.)
- Manage your time: As a journalist, I thrive on deadlines. And many of my peers thrive on procrastinating until the last second before deadline. I am not one of these people. I use calendars, To Do lists, planners, etc. I use anything that helps me organize myself and my time. There’s just something about crossing off an item on your To Do list that makes stress evaporate.
