First, I must introduce myself, I am a first-generation, freshman in college. The amount of stress I have been under lately is immeasurable. It is so hard to keep up when you feel that the world around you keeps spinning. It is important to make time to take a breather.
Stress is damaging. According to Mayo Clinic, “Stress that's left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.” We all know that stress is bad for you causing headaches, chest pains, fatigue, etc.
Decreasing stress seems so much easier said than done, but we should still try and incorporate these healthy habits into our daily routine.
Here are some tips that I have gathered from multiple sources:
Putting your screen down before you go to sleep is vital to improving your quality of sleep. This is due to the fact that blue light from your smartphone affects the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates your sleep/wake cycle. Let your brain relax for the night and fall into a blissful sleep.
Eat nutritious foods, which include fruits, vegetables, etc. and drink plenty of water. Improving your relationship with food is extremely important. Feed your body as it is the temple that houses your beautiful mind and soul. Feed your body to help you deal with your very busy and stressful day. Along the way, make memories with food such as enjoying meals with those you love or trying new foods just for the hell of it. Give yourself the nutrition you need to thrive.
If you find it a struggle to do these things, reach out for help!
Using to-do lists as a tool really helps me get by.
Breaking down the task to make it smaller relieves some of the overwhelming feelings. The way I like to think about it is that I am taking something so much bigger than me, that makes me feel small, and making it bearable and doable. Not only does it make me more productive, but it also decreases a good portion of stress.
A great chrome extension that has helped me, as a college student, would be TasksBoard. It allows you to create many to-do lists and you can check off the tasks as you do them. It is a satisfying relief.
Most importantly we need to learn to be nicer to ourselves. In such a busy, competitive, and social media filled society it is so easy to get knocked down. Be proud of yourself for all the accomplishments you have achieved and remember how special you are.
Always be yourself because you are beautiful inside and out. Remember to treat your beautiful self with kindness and love.
Sources:
https://childadolescentpsych.cumc.columbia.edu/articles/11-tips-mental-health-well-being
https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/five-tips-for-good-mental-health
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
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