The Health Resource Network, a non-profit health education organization, is sponsoring Stress Awareness Month, which runs from April 1-30. During this time, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will unite to shed light on causes and cures for our nations modern stress epidemic.
This awareness comes at the perfect time of the year as college semesters approach their last weeks and high schools head toward the final days prepping for standardized tests and other finals. Counselors and teachers rapidly approach deadlines for college applications, letters of recommendation and aiding other students in their work. It’s a time of high stress and as people become so overwhelmed they neglect the mental and physical health.
Prioritize, plan and organize
Stressful things are subject to change but you can attempt your best at making a schedule of how to best tackle your workload. Break things off into easier to manage portions and prioritize their level of importance. Stay organized with materials and focused on the goal ahead. Try to avoid procrastination and stay on your schedule and you’ll have less to cram at the end.
Take a break and get some air
At this point you can probably pinpoint what stresses you out. Now take that energy and focus it on what relaxes you. Is it going for a long walk, listening to music or catching up with an old friend? Maybe exercise or things like yoga and Pilates calm you down.
Some colleges offer relation nights at this time of year and they host free massages, relaxing music and things like pet therapy. Utilize free services like this to unwind and relax. Sometimes calling home or voicing your worries to a trusted professor or friend can ease some of your doubt.
Reward yourself
Stress can encompass so much of your time that you neglect free time and sleep. Reward yourself with time away from your studies and other stressors and have fun. Your work will still be there when you get back, but you’ll have a refreshed mindset.
Make sure you aren’t overlooking your diet and necessary sleep as these can affect your mental and physical health. It’s crucial to get enough rest. Pulling all nighters doesn’t really benefit because at a certain point your mind is already shut off to new information.
For more trips check out stressawarenessmonth.com and select the free E-book option for more insight and advice. This information comes in the form of a downloadable PDF and can be downloaded on Kindle’s. Dr. Morton C. Orman, M.D., founder and director of HRN wrote the book. He has spent much time researching stress and ways to eliminate it for those suffering. Stay tuned for more tips on staying stress free as the school year winds down.
Ali Sewalt is the editorial intern for NextStepU and is a junior at Nazareth College. You can reach her with questions and for advice at Alison@nextstepu.com.
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