Ways To Combat Stress

Being that this is my last year I undergraduate school and I am preparing to take the GMAT for graduate school I have more than normal levels of stress. However, I know that I do not need to allow my stress to consume me. I use the following methods to combat my stress when it creeps up and starts to get the better of me. 

~Make a Plan~

Being the overly organized person that I am, I love a good laid out plan. Wether the plan is an outline for a paper or a planned out weekend that includes study and social time,  both will get me on track to succeed and alleviate some of the stress of making sure everything goes smoothly.

~Clean/Organize Your Room~

While not everyone enjoys cleaning their room like I do, I think everyone can agree that a clean room is more enjoyable. More importantly, a clean room is less stressful that a mess room. When everything is put away and cleaned up you can find things easier and function better in your space.

~Exercise~

I am a firm believer that the endorphins released during exercise can instantly boost your mood. When school work is piling up and making me tense, going to the gym and letting some steam off is always of benefit to me. I always feel refreshed when I leave the gym, plus it gives me a better night sleep as well. 

~Make Playlists~

Making a new playlist on your iPhone for exercising, riding in the car, or even just walking to class can definitely give you a little "pick-me-up" to get you through stressful times. Even while doing homework or working on a paper a new playlist can keep your stress down and hopefully motivate you to complete the assignment quicker.

~Go Outside~

It's hard to beat being outside and getting some good old fresh air. For me all my stress accumulates indoors in places like my room, my classes, or at work; so I enjoy being able to step out for a brief moment and just getting some vitamin D and breathe some fresh, non air-conditioned, air.

~Make Time for Yourself~

Lastly, but most importantly is to set time aside for yourself to do things you enjoy and to keep yourself form becoming consumed by your stressors. We all seem to be in a constant time crunch, but we may work faster after taking a moment or two to ourselves.