Understanding Stress

Stress is a natural reaction you body has when changes and/or challenges occur. It can release in many physical, emotional, and behavioral responses. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. But stress management can help you deal with it without any harmful substances entering your system.

Common Ways to Manage Stress.

Stress can be managed in many ways:

-Going on a walk can help manage stress and make you feel happy again. Just going on small walk, even to walk the dog can help bring your blood pressure down.

-Exercise regularly. Doing yoga or any kind of exercise is good for your health and your entire body, mental and physical.

-Study and practice relaxation techniques.

-Listen to music. Personally, I listen to music a lot while studying or going to the gym. This helps me focus and stay in sync without stress. One tip is, listen to music which isn't to loud and too fast. Also what you listen to can influence how you behave. For example, if you listen to rap/hip hop while studying, that can make your mind racing which could possible increase stress. But if you listen to the same music while at the gym, it could get you "Locked In" for the gym.

Setting Healthy Goals

Goals help provide direction and motivation.

A good goal is:

Specific, Realistic, Achievable, Measurable, and Time-based

For example:

• Exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week.

• Read for 20 minutes every evening.

• Drink more water each day.

• Practice a new skill three times a week.

Small goals often lead to lasting habits.