Five Practical Tips to Ease Stress

 

Over September, UACCM Student Development has focused on how to manage stress like breathing exercises and moving (exercise!). Additionally, Student Development is offering 30-minute stress management groups, where students support each other by sharing what stresses and how they can best cope with it.

That said, here are five tips that everyone can do in their daily lives to optimize stress management on this #WellnessWednesday.

1. Ask for a hug

This might be difficult during a pandemic but if you have a loved one that you’re living with or already in contact with this can be helpful. Physical touch releases a hormone called oxytocin which is associated with happiness and lowering stress.

2. Create something

Not artistic? That’s ok! A child’s language is play and adults need to remember this is their native language. Use your creative side to color, paint, draw, build LEGO kits, or play with playdoh. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is because the act of doing something puts your mind to work in a constructive way rather than ruminating over problems that may not have a solution yet.

3. Eat better food

You are what you stress eat. It’s time to put up the high fat and highly processed foods and fuel your body with less inflammatory foods. These foods might give temporary relief but in the long run they’re more harmful to your stress levels. Instead focus on colorful foods that consist of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are health promoting foods that promote lower stress levels.

4. Get a hobby

Leisure activities are vital for not only stress management day to day but also developing into older age. Netflix and Tik Tok or not hobbies. Get out of your head and into your life by setting time aside in your schedule to do a leisurely activity you enjoy.

5. Talk to yourself

You already do this but usually it’s a pretty harsh voice. This harsh voice is a source of stress for most students. Positive self-talk is a way that you can change that voice. A compassionate conversation with yourself can actually relax your emotions and help you take positive action.

If you need help managing your stress this semester please reach out to us in Student Development. We’re here to help!

Cody Davis is the director of Student Development at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.