Stress Management

Stress is a part of everyone's lives, and in excess, stress can negatively affect our well-being, but can enhance well-being if in a manageable amount. 

There are many ways you can manage stress, such as:  

 

Below you will find ways to manage your stress to help enhance your overall well-being!

This Ted-Ed video, on the right, will further detail how chronic stress affects your brain.

Recognizing your stress 

We all experience stress in different ways and at different times in our lives. By first taking the time to understand where your stress is coming from and the way stress affects your mind and your body, you are better able to cope with the stress you have or take steps to avoid those sources of stress.

Staying active

Exercise, is a great way to manage your stress and feel better, whether it is taking the time to do some yoga, go on a walk or run, or do some strength training. Check out the mental health section of Physical Wellbeing to learn how a healthy amount of stress can make you stronger. 

Taking time to relax

When you are experiencing stress, it is important to take time to relax in ways that work for you, such as listening to music or reading a good book. You can also try doing breathing exercisesyogamindfulness, or other forms of self-care.

You can also check out by texting “@STRESS” to (844)486-0046 to get weekly texts to receive tips and resources for managing your stress.

Cougar Health Services also offers some additional tips on relieving stress.

Managing time

Using your time wisely will help you avoid harmful levels of stress. Some of the things you can do to manage your time as an online student can include:

  • Plan ahead by creating a schedule of school-related tasks, work, and other daily tasks, including breaks.
  • Focus on one task at a time and set time limits for what you are doing.
  • Stop distractions using a timer app like the Focus Keeper or Flora.

More Video Resources on Reducing Stress

Behind Happy Faces

with Ross Szabo. An inspirational talk, empowering you to strengthen your mental health and reduce the stigma of illness.

Fear Less, Do More

with Michelle Poler. She shows how to challenge your comfort zone to tap into your full potential.

Choose Happy

with Brenda Cleaver. You’ll learn how to embrace gratitude and ambition simultaneously, how to identify what you have and what you need.

Pro-tips

with Bogdan Goncharuk. You will learn about the barriers to time management and how to overcome those barriers.

Box Breathing 

with Dora Kamau from Headspace.

Belly Breathing

with Dora Kamau from Headspace

Guided Mini Meditation

from Headspace.