College is one of the most crucial and stressful stages in life. It is challenging in more ways than one and keeping up with the pressure is key if one aims to live a healthy and balanced life.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines stress as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation. Therefore, the significance of having a working stress management system for yourself is crucial for your survival-if not for other purposes.
Luckily, there are plenty of studies that have been conducted to help many people manage stress like a pro. Many websites also provide techniques online so you can look it up anytime, anywhere. Here are three stress management techniques from WebMD that you can try:
1)Play-If you’re having a rough day or maybe you’re just drained from all the work, you should try to get your mind off things for a bit. Take a 10-minute walk in the park, read a book you love or play some tennis with friends. Do something you love to declutter your busy mind. It’s like treating yourself for doing your assignments or your job!
2)Get A Pet-As a dog lover myself, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this technique. Whenever I go back home, I always meet the furry members of the family first [literally immediately after I disembark the van!]. There’s a certain feeling of relief and excitement that helps me forget about the problems and other stressful stuff I have in my mind. I immediately think more clearly and I feel happier than usual whenever I pet or play with the dogs. According to an article published by Time Magazine back in 2017, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, heart rate and heart-disease risk than those who don’t.
A different article published by the CocaCola Journey back in 2016 says that just a minute of petting your pooch can increases the release of serotonin and oxytocin-two calming chemicals that make us feel more relaxed and at peace, according to research from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
If you can’t have any pets at home, go and visit a local shelter. Maybe you can find your bestfriend there!
3)Laughter-It’s still the best medicine! Stressed out? Laugh it out! Watch some standup comedy, go talk to a goofy friend or bring back some hilarious memories. Studies have shown that laughing makes the person be more positive. Although researchers aren’t sure if it’s the act of laughing that actually makes you feel better. Whatever stresses you out, just drown it in laughter [Just don’t do it out of the blue and in public because that’s a whole new story, if you know what I mean.]
Of course, it would greatly help if you start having a more positive attitude, or get the support of family and friends right? After all, no man is an island.
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