Got stress?

[If your answer is “no,” please see Ms. Merchant in Office #100 to tell her your secret.]

In managing stress, let’s keep it simple.

Breathe.

Take 2 minutes and try this exercise: Find a quiet spot and close your eyes. Inhale for 4 full seconds. Hold it for 4 full seconds. Exhale for 4 full seconds. Repeat. Focusing on your breathing will help to clear your mind.

Sleep.

Stick to your normal bedtime, and get a full night sleep. Get rid of all distractions before going to bed (phone, TV, etc.). If you start worrying about something, write it down on a piece of paper, and go back to bed.

Think.

Is this really worth stressing over? I am making this a bigger deal than it really is?  How can I change negative thinking to positive thinking?

Talk.

Find a positive, trusted friend to talk to about what is stressing you out. Getting someone else’s perspective can help us see things differently.

Plan.

For better time management, try using a planner to keep track of dates and times.

Take care of yourself.

When things get stressful, it is easy to put our health on the back burner. You can do yourself and your health a favor by making a conscience decision to eat right and exercise. It is easy to fill our bodies with a bunch of comfort food when we are stressed, but doing so can just stress us out more! “Why did I eat all that?!” Although time may be limited, make sure you are moving around and getting some exercise. Carve out 10 minute breaks to go take a walk, stretch, or do some push ups.

Hope this helps! If you need a stress ball, see Ms. Merchant!