Stressing out?

  Have you ever had a nervous breakdown? I’ve had so many this weekend I think I’m losing it; From tight schedules and deadlines, to belligerent people on my case.  I am already sick and exhausted preparing for upcoming tests, completing applications and to top it off, organizing a birthday party. I’m stressed out.

So, what is stress? 

Stress is the response to demand that is placed upon you. It can be positive or negative. Stress can be a good motivator of creativity or performance, however when it becomes a problem over a long period of time, it can cause mental and physical exhaustion, leading to illness.  Among some of the  most common illnesses related to stress include; heart attacks, high blood pressure, migraines, obesity  just to name a few.

  

Tips for relieving stress

Don’t let small things affect you.

Whether it’s a friend, boss or whoever,   don’t let it get to you. Learn how to pick your battles, If you can’t help it, laugh it off and tell yourself, it’s not a big deal.

Pace yourself.

If you have a lot of workload or deadlines to accomplish, start them early or make a list and most importantly, prioritize.

Eat healthy.

A lot of people including myself crave for feel good foods when stressed. Instead of picking up a cookie or chocolate bar, pick out a healthy snack that will fill you. Some of my favorites are granola bars, pretzels and raisins.

Lastly, do something that makes you relax.

 This can be anything you see, hear or feel that will make you feel relaxed and peaceful. I personally love to watch Golden girls, Everybody loves Raymond or  Two and a Half Men. Maybe you have one that you love. Spend at least 30min watching it. I bet it will make you forget what you were stressed about.

Laughter is always the best medicine.