Top Ways to Relieve Stress

Stress is one of the many factors that negatively impacts people’s lives on almost a daily basis. This is especially true for mid-semester college students trying to balance midterms, projects, tests, extra-curricular activities, work and worrying about approaching finals. In the midst of stress people may feel hopeless; however, there are many effective and fun ways to relieve stress.

One great way to release stress is to exercise. All forms of exercise are great to relieve stress from walking, running, playing a sport to lifting weights. Initially, if someone is stressed they may not think that they have time to exercise when they should be getting work done. However, the American Psychological Association says, “A 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.”

Exercise also releases endorphins and serotonin, which help people feel good both mentally and physically. Endorphins reduce a person’s perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling similar to the effects of morphine. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter released by the body that helps to balance mood levels. Exercise will also give you an energy boost that is better for you and longer lasting than drinking a cup of coffee or having a candy bar.

Many people reject the suggestion of exercise as soon as they hear it, but exercise for purposes of de-stressing doesn’t have to be overly strenuous or difficult. Exercise should be fun, energizing and just slightly pushing your body and muscles enough for room to improve on your next exercise.

De-stressing can be as simple as turning off your cell phone, laptop and television. Technology distracts us from the important things in life and can actually cause more stress. By “unplugging” you can focus on the things that are truly important in your life and think on a deeper level. Focus on the thing you are stressing about and think about your life as a whole. Is the stressor really a life changing moment, or is it one of the relatively less important events in your life?

For example, if you are worried about a test or presentation think rationally about it. Staying up all night studying will likely be more detrimental to your grade than studying for as long as you can before going to bed at a decent hour. Also, think about the test in the grand scheme of things and be grateful for your life overall. Think about all of the problems in the world and be appreciative of what you have. By thinking about the source of your stress, it can turn a seemingly huge problem into what is more than likely one of the basic life struggles many people deal with on a daily basis.

De-stressing may seem like a waste of time to some people, but it is highly beneficial and increases overall productivity. Next time it seems as if the world is crashing down because of stress, use some of these techniques to lower your stressed levels, and you will be surprised at how much better you feel.