Blog #4

1. Balance responsibilities (like schoolwork) with activities you enjoy (like relaxing or spending time with friends).
It is all about having a balanced life. Work and rest. Balance your activities and do not cram because this will stress you out.
2. Manage responsibilities.
Use a calendar or planner to keep track of responsibilities. This helps keep track of what has to be done. We could forget to do a responsibility and stress us. Managing stress also means having a regular routine. Take time to reflect a bit to think about how things are going and maybe make some changements.
3. Eat healthy foods.
What you eat affects your mood, energy, and stress level. Eating healthy does not mean you must avoid all treats. This goes back to having a balanced diet. It is okay to eat dessert after having a healthy nutrition filled dinner.
4. Get proper sleep.
Homework, talking to friends, or binge watching can get in the way of sleeping. Having the right amount of sleep is something to focus on as sleeping is the way we get energy. In order to have a peaceful sleep, having finished all those tasks earlier on the day is key.
5. Make time to exercise every day.
Exercise is a source to be able to not think about your problems. It is hard to feel anxious when taking deep breaths from exercising. Exercise does not only take our mind off of stress, but it releases chemicals in our brains that make us feel better. Learning to manage stress means building coping skills that allow you to take everyday challenges in stride. It’s about keeping problems in perspective instead of ignoring them, and learning what to work on and what to let go of. (2)

While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times: your commute to work, a meeting with your boss, or family gatherings, for example. When handling such predictable stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept. (3)

When it comes to preventing and treating high blood pressure, one often-overlooked strategy is managing stress. If you often find yourself tense and on-edge, try these seven ways to reduce stress.
1. Get enough sleep.
Poor quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level, and physical health.
2. Learn relaxation techniques.
Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are powerful relaxation techniques.
3. Strengthen your social network.
Connect with others by taking a class, joining an organization, or participating in a support group. Making new friends and having fun with them is a stress reliever.
4. Hone your time-management skills.
The more efficiently you can juggle work and family demands, the lower your stress level. Procrastinating is stressful, having good time-management skills can reduce stress.
5. Try to resolve stressful situations if you can.
Confront your problems. Don’t let stressful situations fester. Hold family problem-solving sessions and use negotiation skills at home and at work.
6. Nurture yourself.
Treat yourself. Go to your favourite restaurant or go to the mall.
7. Ask for help.
When things get our of your control, ask help from your family friends, any anyone else trustable. If stress and anxiety persist, talk to your doctor or get a therapist.(4)

The main tips mentioned from all these sources are to mainly keep an healthy lifestyle. Sleep enough, eat healthy and exercise regularly. These three main tips would help with preventing stress. I hope my research could benefit those who are stressed. Thank you for reading.