Do you ever feel so stressed out that you have this strong weight on your shoulders that you can’t seem to carry? What about thinking to yourself about how much stress you have built up and whether it has turned into anger?
Stress can be defined as a state of worry and mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It can be a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our personal lives.
You must identify the symptoms of stress in your daily life to know if you have been affected by it. Once you identify the factors, this will make it easier to find a coping method to reduce your stress.
Identify The Factors
These are a few signs that you may be dealing with stress:
- Irritable, angry, impatient, or wound up
- Overburdened or overwhelmed
- Anxious, nervous, or afraid
- Like your thoughts are racing, and you can't switch them off
- Unable to enjoy yourself
- Depressed
- Worried or tense
- Neglected and lonely
- Uninterested in life
- Begin to lose your sense of humor
Balance Your Stress Levels
After you are able to identify what is stressing you out, you can balance your stress levels by elevating your mental health. Everyone does not have the same coping methods, so you must find out what works best for you.
Step 1:
Kennedy Patton, a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate, wants to share the first way to tackle stress in college.
“I handle my stress by working out, especially outdoors, because I am able to get my dose of Vitamin D from the sun; it gives me energy, and my mood improves,” said Patton. “Stress is not something you can cure; you must learn how to manage it.”
Working out can be used as a way to cope with your stress inside or outside of college. Stress can follow you everywhere; you must know how to manage your stress so that you are not overwhelmed.
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Your mind is how the body functions, so your mental health must be stable to function properly.
According to the American Psychological Association, sixty-two percent of adults who say they exercise or walk to help manage stress indicate that the technique is extremely effective.
Step 2:
In addition to working out, Brandon “Ken” Brown is a sophomore in college and handles his stress by utilizing his social media platforms to express himself.
“When I’m feeling stressed because of school, being able to create content and interact with my supporters brings me joy,” said Brown. “When I get to interact with people, I am able to show who I am, and my relief comes from when people accept me and who I am.”
According to the Case Western Reserve case study, research shows that giving compliments can increase someone’s happiness.
Step 3:
Josh Beauplan, a graduate student, uses journaling to manage his stress. Beauplan says it gives him a sense of mental relief.
“When I feel academically overwhelmed with tribulations that life brings, journaling helps stabilize my mood,” said Beauplan.
Step 4:
Moreover, a freshman at FAMU, Alantis Austin, tackles his stress levels by taking time to focus on himself.
“The peace and quiet in Coleman library give me a sense of relief,” said Alantis." Everything I need is in one place; I can weed out all distractions so that I can keep my stress levels low.”
Step 5:
Lastly, Armani, a senior in college, shares that his alternative to stress is seeking a higher power. Armani is a follower of Christianity that suggests when stress emerges, he gives it to God and controls what he can at the time.
“What gives me that relief is when I pray, it helps me talk about it and take time to process what I can control,” said Armani. “This helps me focus on solutions instead of dwelling on the stress.”
Seek Professional Help:
You should seek medical help. If you notice a major decline at school or work, notice a change in your eating habits, sleep, or when your stress levels become intolerable.
If you do not seek professional help, these problems could lead to problems with sleeping, lead to anxiety, or conflict with your immune, digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.
Make The Connection:
When you are in need of consulting with a medical professional, if you want to treat yourself naturally without any prescribed medication, you should consult with a psychologist. Psychologists are mental health professionals who diagnose anxiety and can provide counseling.
If you are the opposite and want to be prescribed medication to help lower your stress levels, it is best to consult with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
The National Hopeline Network is available 365 days a year, it is a toll-free hotline for volunteers who are trained in crisis prevention. You can call (800)442-HOPE (4673) for support, information, and referrals to people in need.
