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Stress Relievers for Students

Most students experience significant amounts of stress. With studying long hours, meeting deadlines, classes and balancing a social life, it can become challenging for students to find leisure time. The academic pressures and time management conflicts often lead to stress; that's why effective stress-relieving techniques are essential in restoring balance and good physical and mental health.

  1. Power Naps

    • With hectic schedules and late-night studying, students are notorious for lacking sufficient sleep, but being sleep deprived puts you at a major disadvantage. Not only does a lack of sleep cause stress, it also impairs information processing, short-term memory, motivation and performance. Taking a 20-minute power nap in the afternoon provides more rest to the body than an extra 20 minutes of sleep in the morning. Power naps should be no longer than 15 to 30 minutes because longer sleeping may place you in a deeper state of sleep, making it harder for you to awaken. Power naps will also help to improve cognitive functioning, increase alertness and productivity, and improve memory and learning.

    Exercise

    • Exercising is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. Exercising can decrease stress hormones in the body and increase endorphins, which make the body feel good. There are many stress-relief exercises, and some don't even involve movement. You can do meditation and yoga exercises, which involve body, mind and spirit, and focus on breathing and sensations. Stretching exercises stimulate receptors in the nervous system, decreasing the production of stress hormones. Any physical exercise that gets the heart pumping is good for releasing toxins and stress from the body. Run a mile or two, or get involved in sports like swimming and weightlifting, which all boost your mode and provide an outlet for negative emotions.

    Healthy Dieting

    • Believe it or not, what you eat can either increase your brain power or take away your energy. A well-balanced diet is crucial in reducing stress and preserving health. Certain foods and drinks act as stimulants to the body, which can be a direct cause of stress. Avoid fats, which put unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. Eating lots of vegetables and eating a meal high in fiber and carbohydrates will help to decrease stress and anxiety, and will keep your digestive system moving. Always start your day off with a balanced breakfast in the morning followed by a multivitamin supplement. Some herbal teas are also good for relieving stress.

    Music

    • Listen to some music. Music can affect the body and brain in positive ways. A convenient and powerful tool for relieving stress, music can calm you down and stimulate your mind. Playing jazz or classical music can help you to study. Playing up-beat music will wake you up and get you energized, while slow melodies will relax you and put your mind at ease.

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