We all go through periods of stress, whether they come during a week full of midterms or just a hard week of family drama. Through these times we all have created habits in order to get through them, although many of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and hurt more than they help. So, here are some healthy and helpful methods to cope with hard times in the right way.
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Photo by LaShauna Bell
1. Understand how you stress. Every individual is different and experiences different stressors throughout their lives. Stress could be related toa number of things such as school, family, health, money, work, relationships, etc. Some people thrive under pressure and it allows them to become more productive, while others are simply paralyzed by the fear of failure. How you react to stress is completely unique to you and your personality, so be sure to find out the way you react to stressful situations before you do anything.
2. Figure out a healthy way to manage your stress and work through it. Consider a taking up a stress-reducing activity such as exercise, listening to music, spending time with friends, talking about your problems with a trusted individual, or even just kicking back and enjoying your favorite show.  Be mindful of unhealthy coping mechanisms you may already have and try to eliminate one at a time, but do not attempt to lose all of them at once because taking on too much at once may cause more problems. Try taking things one step at a time and remain focused on your goals.Â
Photo by LaShauna Bell
3. Take care of yourself. If you’re anything like me, you tend to put the needs of others above your own, and, although this is well intended, it often leaves you feeling drained. Do not take on more than you can handle. Just because you feel obligated does not make it your job to help everyone with everything.  You cannot forget to take time for yourself. PUT YOURSELF FIRST SOMETIMES!!!!! Take a spa day at home, eat your favorite meal, take a nap, and let yourself relax for a change. You cannot help others without first helping yourself.
4. Get some support. No matter who or where you are, someone cares about you. Sometimes all you need is to vent and to ask for help. Let people help you as much as you help them! Being the strong one is not always what’s best for our mental health.Â
For more helpful information, feel free to contact your local psychiatrist or school mental health
clinic. Remember that reaching out does not make you weak and you don’t have to carry the burden of stress alone. You can make it and you are loved.