We all know our lives are full of stress and stressors. Yet, do we know how to manage our stress effectively? Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed by the demands of school, work, relationships, and life in general that you've felt unsure how to alleviate your stress?
Firstly, how do you attack the problem of stress? We open stress cycles daily, from that annoying term paper to finals. Perhaps you have been told or even taught that to deal with stress, you must go to the source, the stressor. But what do you do when you are so overwhelmed by the stressor that you feel completely stuck in that emotional strain or empty?
This is what my friends and I call the middle of the tunnel because you have started closing the stress cycle by acknowledging how you are feeling. Now that you realize how you think, what will you do to feel better? The fun thing about us humans is how different we all are, so while I have included a list of other things that have been shown to help with stress, if you do not want to try something or something that does not work, that is okay. Try something else, do more research and find a tactic that is for you.
Four things that have been shown to help with stress:
Exercise
You have heard this before, but exercise is not for everyone. Some people just really hate the thought and action of working out, and that is okay, but exercise has been proven to help us work through our feelings by letting energy out.
This exercise can be as simple as going for a walk, run, or bike ride or as intense as an entire gym session. Just getting away from the stressor and letting your body work out energy can help your brain and emotions settle so you can work on your stressor.
And for those who are against working out, I hear you, feel you, and see you. Something to give a go: lay in your bed, feel the stress in your body, start from your toes and work your way up, tensing and releasing your muscle groups. Hold for at least 30 seconds; wherever you hold your stress the most, hold for longer.
Writing
Writing down everything about your feelings can be very helpful for those who may not be willing to talk to someone. Even if you write all your thoughts down, word vomit on a page, rip it into little pieces and throw it in paper recycling.
Rest
You might be thinking of a rest course; this will help with stress, but I mean rest for your emotions. Often, we need to remember to take time to rest intentionally when we are not sleeping. Resting can be as simple as watching a movie or reading a book you love to fuel yourself.
Rest can come in different ways, and resting with intention is something you will have to learn. Our brains do not just turn off when we turn off our computers or put down our pens. You need to notice when your body and mind need rest and find things in your life that bring you joy.
Connections
This means that complete connections with friends or family can help you have that support to work through a stress cycle. Perhaps it is your best friend who can lend you an ear to talk about what is causing the stress in your life. They can offer the support you need and maybe even a suggestion on how to help cope with the stress you are facing. We often forget how important human connection is, as well as actually seeing and talking to people.
With these in mind as we move through this semester, just remember that it is essential to take time for yourself, make sure to allow yourself to rest, and know that if you are feeling stressed, you are not alone. There are several services at Simon Fraser that you pay to have access to, use them, and see what works and what does not. Just remember there is an end to the tunnel; you will see the light at the end and make it no matter what is going on; there is always an end to the tunnel.
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