Stressed?

How are your stress levels?

Stress comes from a range of events and life experiences. When positive things happen such as getting a new job, dating someone new, or graduating from high school, stress levels increase. And, obviously, stress levels are higher when negative things take place like failing a test, fighting with family or friends, or having a lot to do in a limited amount of time. Quite simply, the reality is that stress is a part of life and it cannot be escaped, but it is important to learn healthy strategies for dealing with stress.

Hopefully the long 4-day weekend we just had has helped to decrease your stress levels, but I am also very aware of the fact that sometimes the change in routine and being at home more can also create stress. Perhaps you were visiting with extended family members and sometimes that means lots of questions about your college plans or students whose parents are divorced are often juggling trying to be in several places at once which is never easy. 

Finding the stress relievers that are effective in your own life is important! Talking to friends, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal, drawing, reading, deep breathing, listening to music, running, coloring, playing sports, spending time with your pets, taking a walk, dancing, exercising, watching a funny movie, or helping someone less fortunate are all examples of some simple stress relievers that might be ideas you can consider utilizing. 

The stress relieving strategy that I love and hate the most (all at the same time) is deep breathing.  I always think that it is a technique that is too big for my problems, but since I make students take deep breaths in my office often, I have realized that is absolutely makes a huge difference.  If you don't know how to take deep breaths (yes, I really mean that - because there are effective ways and ineffective ways), please check out this website to learn more: http://www.lifehack.org/324889/heres-how-breathe-youre-stressed-out

Remember, if you need someone to talk to about additional strategies for learning to manage the stress in your life, I am around and willing to listen.