Stress Management

Stress is cumulative. Your early signs of stress may include headaches, irritability, nervous stomach or disrupted sleep. Once you learn to recognize your own early warning signs, you will know that these symptoms are your body's way of telling you to slow down and find a way to de-stress. If you do not heed the warning, your stress can continue to build and cause serious disruption emotionally, physically, academically and socially. Stress can impact your relationships, your ability to concentrate or communicate, and it can have a negative effect on your immune system, making you more prone to illness.

The good news is that you can protect yourself by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

 Stress management is an important skill and it is worth taking the time to figure out what works best for you. Taking care of your mind and body can go a long way toward managing your stress level and help restore yourself to balance. Here are some suggestions... 

• Get enough Sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet. Sugar and processed foods can make stress worse. 
• Exercise regularly. Find movement you enjoy that allows you to release tension.
• Learn deep breathing/relaxation techniques
• Pay attention to negative self-talk.
• Meditate
• Find Quiet Places to Study 
• Practice saying "no" to situations and people that add stress to your life
• Get a massage --aaaah!
• Talk with a friend or someone you trust
• Limit your Caffeine intake.
• Avoid using Alcohol or Other Drugs in an attempt to relieve stress. 
• Manage your time and energy -- you can prioritize your "to-do" list based not only on time but on your energy for the task.
• Laugh! Watch a funny movie or try Laugh Yoga.
• Take time for relaxation, fun and hobbies. How about music or dance lessons, yoga or crafts?  

Source: uhs.umich.edu