In a fast-paced world, students are often bombarded with stress, and many do not know how to cope with this feeling. Regardless of the causes, there are many methods to use to reduce stress.
April is stress awareness month. According to Gallup, 66% of U.S. college students in the spring 2023 semester experienced stress.
Here is a list of ways to reduce stress.
Meditation
While the origin of meditation can not be pinpointed, the practice began thousands of years ago, before modern civilization, and continues to be an efficient and simple method people use to relieve stress. There are hundreds of guided meditation videos available on the internet and according to Mayo Clinic, meditation helps you relax and cope with stress, improving your overall emotional and physical well-being. Mediation comes in many forms, such as yoga, breathing exercises, and tai chi.
Oluwatimilehin Mumuni, third-year cybersecurity major, spoke about methods he uses to cope with stress, stating, “I do diaphragm breathing ... it helps with better brain flow ... and long walks ... What helps me focus is writing stuff down and getting it all in order. [When] writing stuff down and marking off a list helps me.”
Journaling
A simple way to de-stress creatively is through journaling! Whether it is simply scribbling down your thoughts throughout the day or creating decorated journal spreads, journaling can help you improve your mental health by expressing your feelings and thoughts. According to PsychCentral, journaling is an expressive coping method, allowing you to release your thoughts and experiences. Journaling helps you externalize thoughts that may be bothering you and helps you formulate your feelings into words.
Exercising
Scientific research supports the idea that exercising daily can release endorphins that help alleviate stress. In order to maintain your health, it is important to also sustain a healthy physical state. Exercising releases tension within the body that translates to keeping a healthier mind. Whether you schedule to do a full body workout or go for a walk in the park, moving your body can help boost your mood!
Eat a healthy diet
Having a healthy and balanced diet can help your body feel good. In addition to exercising, eating a healthy diet will ensure that your body receives all the nutrients it needs to keep your physical health in check. According to Healthline, matcha powder, sweet potatoes, kimchi, artichokes, eggs, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, and blueberries are the best foods to help relieve stress. In addition, some foods to avoid when you’re feeling anxious include coffee and tea, soda, energy drinks, fried foods, and processed meats.
Third-year Bio MLS major, Tara Callahan commented, “When I know I have a more stressful day ahead of me, I try to avoid drinking caffeine because that can make me more jittery and worsen stress.”
Seek counseling
The stigma surrounding therapy within recent years has continued to affect many individuals who are struggling with their mental health. While many people may feel strange about going to therapy, seeking counseling is the perfect way to alleviate stress. Through speaking with a licensed professional, you are able to release your thoughts and feelings. Speaking to someone can help formulate your feelings and emotions into words that will allow you to look at your feelings from another perspective.
Stress relief fidgets
Fidget toys have become more common in recent years and can be found in various forms. Stress balls are commonly used as a physical outlet to release stress. Other sensory toys help reduce tension and calm anxiety.
On Neumann’s campus, the Counseling Center is available for free to all students by appointment. In addition, clubs like Active Minds hosts stress buster events around midterms and finals week.
Tracy Nguyen
