HEALTH

Between dance practice, endless amounts of math homework and trying to find a summer job, life can get *really* stressful. And since April is Stress Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to assess your own stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take back control with these helpful tips.

Identify the source.
Figure out and pinpoint the causes of stress in your life. Because if you don’t know what’s causing the stress, how will you deal with it?

Get moving.
Stress increases levels of adrenaline and cortisol in your body which are “fight or flight” hormones. Physical activity or exercise can be helpful in restoring your mind and body to a calmer state (and that runner's high doesn't hurt!). Plus, at the very least, it will take your mind off of whatever you're dealing with for a little bit.

Sleep it off.
Lack of sleep significantly contributes to increased levels of stress. Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night (experts recommend at least eight hours). Minimize technology use and caffeine intake before going to bed so your body has a chance to relax and unwind.

Relax.
Make sure you allow yourself to kick back and enjoy some leisure time either alone or with family and friends. Different things work for different people, so try out these relaxation techniques and figure out what works best for you.

Follow the four A's.void. Alter. Adapt. Accept.
+ Avoid: Do you deal with people or situations that cause unnecessary stress? Avoid them for the time being.
+ Alter: If you can’t avoid it, then alter the situation by expressing your feelings and making compromises to come to a reasonable solution and balance.
+ Adapt: If the situation is beyond your control, then try to adapt to it and deal with it in the healthiest and most effective way possible.
+ Accept: There are some things you cannot change, so you have to accept the situation as it is. Don’t bottle your feelings and try to stay positive by looking for the silver lining.

How do you deal with stress? Let us know in the comments below!

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Photo credit: Pinterest.

by Shilpa Raj | 4/19/2017