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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mville chapter.

 

Top Three Ways To Deal With Stress and Anxiety

By Julianna Rush

Starting off the semester can seem overwhelming, especially for incoming freshman. Here are three things that you can do to help reduce your stress and anxiety.

 

1. Coloring, Drawing or Writing

 

Often times people feel overwhelmed while trying to complete all their homework, study for classes and still make time to see friends. Being creative can help settle your nerves and take your focus off of what is causing stress. Writing how you feel helps to release your feelings. Drawing a picture can also be very helpful. If you aren’t good at drawing, coloring is also a good option. The repetitive motion of the pencil or coloring supplies in your hand helps to lower your pulse rate and hit the mental reset button.

 

 

2. Walking and Deep Breathing

 

Anxiety also takes a physical toll on a person. While doing work, students often spend hours sitting at a desk. This causes muscle tensions that can lead to discomfort. Walking is a way to help relax your muscles and get a break from work. Walking, or exercise of any kind, helps to release endorphins, creating a decrease of stress hormones. This can also lead to a higher self-esteem. Deep breathing can also help relieve anxiety. Results from this include; heartbeat slowing, muscles relaxing and blood pressure decreasing. With a combination of walking and deep breathing, you will be appropriately handling the physical aspects of anxiety and stress.

 

3. Talking To Someone You Trust

 

People love the feeling of independence, they would rather face struggles on their own than ask for help because they believe it’s a sign of weakness. In reality, asking for help makes you stronger. This is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. You don’t have all the answers, no one does. Building a support system will help you in making good decisions and feeling positively about yourself.

 

 

Sources:

http://www.alive.com/lifestyle/draw-your-stress-out/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/national-walking-day-stress-rel…

https://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath/

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Student at Manhattanville College, right outside of New York City! Editor at the Mville chapter I am majoring in Marketing and Communications with a minor in Sociology, and look forward to working either in the music business, or at a non-profit organization! I am an advocate for those who suffer from mental illness, such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, and self harm. I'm a crafter, dreamer, and traveler. I believe everyone has a story that's just waiting to be told..