The Stress Monster

Life can get hectic sometimes. Even more hectic if your are a college student. During college, it is important to learn how to effectively deal with stress because most people will become stressed at least once in their college career. There are many different ways to handle stress.

1. Run off some steam.

While sorting through the mounds of college work, exercise is sometimes the last thought on people's minds. Studies show that being stressed can lead to being forgetful. Exercise decreases that risk by helping to reduce your stress levels. Look at exercise in a new light; think of it as a way to relax and to improve your memorization skills, while also improving your self-image and health. While exercising for an hour is great, an hour of exercise is not practical with everyone's schedule. Try just exercising for 30 minutes to wind down after your classes for the day or before you go to bed.

2. Eat regularly throughout the day.

When you are stressed out, many people forget to eat or either they are so busy that they do not have time to eat a balanced meal. The worst thing to do under stress is not to eat. Although you shouldn't skip meals while stressed, you shouldn't just stick anything into your mouth. Foods high in fat and sugar can cause you to become tired. Research shows that certain foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain food, oranges, salad, fish, nuts, and others help to reduce or prevent stress. If having time to eat is a problem for you, try eating whole-grain granola bars on the go, using quick-oatmeal packets, or planning out your meals ahead of time.

3. Get a good-night's rest.

When you get a good-night's rest you wake up feeling good in the morning and ready-to go. Does this not sound like how your mornings go? If not, it's probably because you aren't getting enough sleep or aren't sleeping well.

To help improve your sleep, get into a bedtime routine. In addition, a regular sleeping pattern helps to improve grades. Obviously having a regular sleeping pattern can be difficult while balancing college, but try to go to bed around the same time every night. It is better to go to sleep at a decent time, than to pull an all-nighter. Remember that you could always go to sleep, and then wake-up early to get things accomplished.

4. Have some fun!
One of the best ways, in my opinion, to reduce stress is to simply relax, laugh and have fun. Set aside an hour or two of your week to do something you enjoy or hang out with friends.

If you follow these tips, you will see a difference in your stress levels.