As we edge closer to finals week and the end of spring semester, many students find themselves with sudden lapses of hardcore stress and anxiety. That’s ok: It is natural to feel that way.
However, if you find yourself with more than you can handle, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your anxiety and stress without paying excessive amounts for pills and therapy.
Diet
Put down the pizza, hamburgers, junk food, and fast food. Stop drinking the soda and increase your water intake. The old quotation “You are what you eat” applies here. Managing your mental health can be as simple as switching what you eat. Yes, as college students we gorge ourselves on ramen and pizza. It’s our lifeblood. However, eating greasy messy food is not a good option for anyone’s health, mental or physical. If you eat healthy, you’re going to be healthier. Here are some foods that are especially good for you in your time of need.
Blueberries/Peaches
Whole Grains
Almonds
Seaweed
Dark Chocolate (with Cacao)
Relaxation Period
Anxiety and stress doesn’t just go away in a blink of an eye. Daily life has many people in fight-or-flight mode all the time. It may take you a good week or so before you calm down. Learning how to effectively relax and to calm yourself are key roles in living a happier lifestyle. There are several techniques and ways one can do this. Some examples are to listen to your favorite music, yoga, watch funny youtube videos, mediation, and to play videogames (yes, this one does work for some people).
Deep breathing can also be beneficial. Often joked about as “outdated,” deep breathing is still used as a way to manage anxiety and stress. A simple three step deep breathing method can help calm your nerves.
Step One: Stop and identify what is distressing you. Step Two: Take three long deep breaths. Breathe in slowly from your nose, and exhale slowly from your mouth. Repeat step two as often as you need to. Step three: Smile. The act of smiling triggers parts of the brain to make you think you’re happier than you are.
Exercise
Yes, exercise is still a good way to manage your health, both mental and physical. We hear about it again and again. This one has not changed. However, you don’t need to do a full cardio workout to reap the benefits of exercise. As the weather warms up and the sun shines, go out on a half hour or so walk. The combination of sunshine, fresh air and exercise will be good for you.
Alternative Methods
Sometimes avoiding certain situation can be key in living a happier life. However, hiding under your blanket is not a practical approach to living your life. By avoiding certain things, I mean places like WebMD when you’re sick. There is no more effective way to convince yourself that you are dying then by googling your symptoms.
That being said, if you think you are sick, or if you need more help than what this article offers, perhaps it is time to make that doctor visit.
