The December issue of “Counselor Connection” offers important information on how to cope with stress. Most people experience stress and anxiety from time to time. Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body. People can report feeling stressed when multiple competing demands are placed on them. The feeling of being stressed can be triggered by an event that makes you feel frustrated or nervous. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can be a reaction to stress, or it can occur in people who are unable to identify significant stressors in their life.
Learning and emotions are connected. But how? According
to Yale Professor Marc Brackett, “How we feel – bored, curious, stressed, etc. – influences whether we are present, in ‘fight or flight’ mode, or able to process and integrate information.”
The holidays in particular can be stressful. The end of a school semester or trimester, along with “extra” holiday demands can put students as well as parents on overload. Learning to manage stress is an important skill that once learned, will serve us well.
Here are some strategies that may help:
– Keep a positive attitude.
– Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
– Learn and practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.
– Exercise . Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
– Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
– Set limits; learn to say no to requests that lead to stress.
– Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.
– Get enough rest and sleep.
– Seek out social support and spend time with friends.