Stress Management
Stress Management Tips for School and the Workplace
Because it puts us in a fight-or-flight response, stress can take a serious toll on our minds and our bodies. Research has linked stress to an array of short- and long-term physical ailments, including insomnia, depression and cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, you can drastically reduce its negative impact by learning a few effective stress management strategies for work and school.
Coping Mechanisms
Professional, academic and social pressures can leave us all feeling a little overwhelmed. To better manage your stress, try the following proven stress management techniques:
Take a Walk
A brisk walk can clear your mind and increase endorphin levels. It can even improve your mental function, especially if you're in the right setting. According to research appearing in the journal Psychological Science, subjects experienced a 20 percent improvement in working memory after taking 50-minute nature walks.
Meditate
Many people have difficulty meditating, because they don't completely understand what it means. In essence, it's simply an act of quiet focus, reflection or contemplation. By taking a few minutes to concentrate on your breathing or a peaceful setting, you can center your mind and alleviate anxiety.
Exercise
Get up and get outside! Numerous studies have shown that exercise can increase norepinephrine concentrations in the brain regions responsible for
stress response. Other research shows that active people tend have lower rates of depression and anxiety when compared to sedentary people.
Surf the Web
It may seem like a waste of time, but a brief Internet break can actually relieve stress by breaking the cycle of endless rumination. A study out of the National University of Singapore also found that recreational web surfing could even boost worker productivity by reducing mental exhaustion and boredom.
Helping Students Cope with Stress
Because they're relatively new to stressful situations, young people can often feel overwhelmed by stress related to academic and social pressures. To help your child cope, teach them stress relieving strategies, centered on setting realistic goals, good time management and effective planning. It's also a good idea to create scheduled, early, structured times for homework to prevent sleep problems. You should also encourage your child to talk about his or her stress with you or a guidance counselor.
