Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

The quickest solution college students jump after a rough week might be drinking or a Disney day- if you’re fortunate enough to go to UCF. These things help avoid problems, but they aren’t solutions to your stress. Stress can be managed, and you can gradually make your weeks easier by reducing stress. These are things that will lessen stress and give you a more healthy outlook on life.

1. Walk

Sounds too simple, but walking without purpose can relax your mind. If you’re in the library, take a walk around campus and grab a snack to recharge. If you open up the Netflix tab you might fall into an endless pit of binge watching. It doesn’t hurt to burn a few calories and it won’t waste much time.

2. Eat better

Avoid quick fix diets and try to have a healthier lifestyle that will last. Make some time for meal preparation so you eat out less, because saving money and some calories is worth the extra effort. Remember there is no perfect body, so don’t feel guilty about eating cookies and don’t bother comparing yourself to other people. 

3. Get more sleep

The key is when you decide to sleep. Wake up earlier to take advantage of mornings, it is possible to check a lot of things off of your to do list before noon. This way you’ll get to bed sooner and make the most out of your days. 

4. Organize

Having a fancy planner is a good first step, but that’s not all there is to it. Meet with your advisors far in advance before it’s time to choose classes for next semester. Cleaning your car and bedroom can make you feel more relaxed afterwards. 

5. Get creative

Don’t tell yourself you’re “too old” to do something you enjoy. Draw, write in a journal, express yourself in your favorite way. Take a time out from reality.

6. Be kind

A negative mindset can spread. If you’re defensive and rude to other people, it can come back to you. If I’m having a bad day the smallest things will make me feel better, or worse. Offer to help someone, smile at passers by, and watch and see the good karma come back to you.

It seems impossible to avoid back-to-school stress, because everything feels like it’s happening at once and you’re not ready to handle it. Make sure you’re not putting too much on your plate, and remember to have positive thoughts. The road to success is not a short path, so enjoy the journey. 

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

• back to school
• health
• stress