Most of our stress tends to stem from the place we spend the most time at: school or work! No matter what you major in, what field you’re working in, regardless how much you love it, stress is pretty much inevitable. Even worse if you’re one of the millions college students who has to work while going to school! Whether you’ve got a major report to complete for a deadline or a major pitch to present in front of many people, there are ways you can do to cope with your anxiety and stress. Remember, it’s not the end of the world if you practise the following tips!
1.Listen to calming music
Whenever I feel overwhelmed with my tasks, I will pop on my headphones and turn on some soft music. According to studies, listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music, or mediation music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, as well as decreasing the levels of stress hormones.
2.Snack on stress-reducing foods
Here are some good news to keep in mind the next time you’re stressed out! Which is eating to stay cam! However, there’s a thing, eating badly will stress your system. try ot avoid the typical go-to comfort food such as burger or fires as they will only leave you feeling guilty and even more anxious. Instead, opt for superfoods which consists of low-sugar, and high protein!
- Asparagus
Depression causes low levels of folic acid, and one vegetable that boosts this mood-enhancing nutrient is asparagus. A single cup provides 2/3 of your daily value, and it’s easy for you to fit asparagus into almost any meal.
- Avocado
The feeling of anxiety may be rooted in a vitamin B deficiency as vitamin B leads to healthy nerves and brain cells. Avocado, which is my favourite food for stress-relieving is rich in B vitamins. Besides, they are also high in monounsaturated fat and potassium, which help lower blood pressure.
- Blueberries
When we’re stressed, our bodies need vitamin C and antioxidants to help repair and protect cells. With a handful pack of blueberries, it gives you a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Milk
A glass of warm milk before bed is a time-tested remedy for insomnia. That’s because milk is high in antioxidants, vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium. The protein lactium has a calming effect by lowering blood pressure, while the potassium in milk can help relieve muscle spasms triggered by feeling tense.
- Almonds
Almonds which are rich in vitamins B2 and E help bolster the immune system during the stress period. By munching a quarter cup of almonds each day does the trick.
- Oranges
Oranges consist of rich vitamin C which is good in lowering blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. For a quick burst of vitamin C, simply eat a whole orange or drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice without added sugar.
- Salmon
Salmon which is one of the very best sources of omega-3s helps keep cortisol and adrenaline from spiking when you’re feeling tense. Besides, it also protect your heart when those stress hormones are surging.
- Spinach
Spinach which comprises of magnesium, helps to regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing.
- Turkey
That sleepy feeling you get after eating Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner is due to the amino acid tryptophan found in turkey. Tryptophan signals the brain to release the feel-good chemical serotonin, which promotes calmness and even tiredness.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal which consists of rich fiber so it takes longer to digest which eventually makes the calming effect actually lasts longer. Bare in mind go with thick-cut, old fashioned oats that require cooking instead of instant oatmeal.
3. Exercise or go for a walk
If you feel like you’re on the verge of screaming (it really happens!), just go on a 10-minute walk to clear your head. You can even do some exercises such as jogging. This is because physical activity helps pumps up your endorphins, which will make you feel good. Besides, exercises can also improve your mood as it helps you to relax. Most important, exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety!
4. Watch some videos or even dramas
Rather than scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter, take your mind off your troubles, take five or half hour to watch some videos from your favourite Youtuber! Trust me, you’ll definitely feel a LOT better!
5. Drink hot tea
According to studies, green tea helps in reducing stress. By just having a cup of hot tea in your hands, it will calm you down. Besides, green teas has a lot less caffeine than coffee, so you won’t experience any jittery side effects.
6. Keep a stress ball handy.
I never thought stress ball can come in handy until I’ve been using it. Always keep two stress balls on your desk, so whenever you feel your stress level is on the peak, just squeeze the stress ball and it will get rid of your nervous energy before the stress manifests itself another way.
7. Reach out to your family and friends
If you’re having a particularly rough day, the best way is to reach out your family member or close friend by giving them a call or meet up for a talk. This tends to work the best for me as sometimes we just simply need somebody to talk with and to hear the voice of a loved one to know that everything is going to be alright!
8. Take a deep breath
If suddenly you’re feeling overwhelmed, a few minutes of deep breathing will restore balance. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold an exhale in equal counts through the nose. According to studies, by taking a deep breath, it gives you the calm and focus of a 90-minute yoga class! So whenever you’re stress, repeat the steps for 3 minutes or more.
9. Schedule your day for energy and focus
Most of us go through the day thinking if we work the full eight to ten hours, we’ll get more done. However, this not only causes productivity down, but also increases the stress level. So, make sure you schedule breaks throughout the day. Whether you’re in school or work, take a few minutes to stretch at your desk, do breathing exercise, or even get up and go for a small walk to the washroom or even cafeteria.
10. Pamper yourself with massage or even hot bath
After a long tiring day, you deserve to indulge yourself. Toss a bath bomb into your bath tub and enjoy some hot bath to relax your muscles. Or dab a little peppermint oil on the tips of your fingertips and massage your temples. It’s an INSTANT pain relief for any head tension, and the smell of the oil will provide just the concentration boost you need. Placing a diffuser at home can also be a little trick to release your stress level!