Stress Relief

With the new school semester begining, I can already feel the stress coming on. I have a list of my own personal stress - relieving techniques.  Whether it's school, like me, or work or relationships, these stress relievers work for me, and maybe they can work for anyone else out there as well.

1.  Take a walk. Not for exercise, just a nice stroll on a cool afternoon, or morning. Walking helps me clear my head. It gives me time to think about things - whatever problems are plaguing me at the moment. These walks are more effective at relieving stress when I take them alone. That way I have all the space and time I need to think things through.

2. I listen to my favorite music. I just lie back on my bed, and listen. Sometimes I think about things, sometimes I just sing along to the music and nothing else. It relaxes and refreshes me if only for a moment -It's more short term than walking. It's like taking a break, and then starting fresh a moment later.

3. Talk to someone. It helps to gain someone else's perspective when I'm stressing about a particular issue like a paper or a professor. Talking just also helps relieve the burden.

4. Exercise. Stress isn't only mental, it takes it's toll physically as well. So exercise is a good way to help with stress relief - for me anyway!

I have bad habits when I 'm stresses too. Like eating chocolate (or any food I like in excess), which I do not advise. Stress eating is bad. When I'm tempted, I simply do the other four steps that I know work for me. I hope they work for you too!