Finding calm in stressful times
Right now is a stressful time for everyone – exams are beginning, papers are due, and everyone’s moving on to new things. I hope this article will help some of you who are feeling overwhelmed. These are some of the things I try to do when I get overwhelmed, or feel a stressful situation coming on.
Just walk away
In times that I feel stressed out, or times when I feel a stressful situation coming on, I think it is best to just walk away to give yourself a break. Obviously, you are not going to do this in the middle of a presentation, or an exam, but you can do it beforehand when you are feeling overwhelmed. Going outside to get some fresh air and going for a brief walk will reduce stress and calm you down before returning to the task at hand. So, lace up your shoes and get out there! All it takes is a few minutes to have you feeling refreshed again.
Breathe
Don’t just breathe, breathe deeply. Try breathing in through your nose and out through nose, and breathe into your belly. By breathing deeply like this, you will be able to relax your body and then your mind. This also requires some concentration that will help distract you momentarily from whatever it is that is stressing you. If you have time, try to partake in activities that make you focus on your breathing, such as yoga or pilates – both will help to relieve stressors.
Sleep well
It can be difficult to sleep when you have so much on your mind – whether it be that essay that’s due in two days, the exam you are worried about, where you are going to find a job, or where you will be living next month. However, sleep is still necessary for you to function throughout these busy days, so find time for it. You may need to do a little extra preparation to ensure you get to bed at a good hour – and stay sleeping for the entire night – but it is doable! Find something that helps you relax before bed and stick to the routine as much as possible, until your sleeping habits are back to normal.
Talk it out
Sometimes you just need to talk it out. I don’t recommend spending all of your time discussing your stressors with others, but it is good to confide in people whom you trust, when you are dealing with a stressful situation – whether it be in regards to school, work, or your personal life. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone close to you, then look to book an appointment with a counsellor to discuss what is going on – it really helps when you are looking for an unbiased perspective and a way to clear your head.
These are just some of the tips I think are beneficial when dealing with stressful situations, I hope they help during this time of year!