Stress Management Tips

For me, this weekend was one of the more stressful ones, because I have 3 exams coming up this week. I realize I'll be stressed out until the last midterm of this week is done on Thursday. That's midterm season though, it's to be expected as a university student.

"Some of the negative physiological consequences of ongoing stress include hypertension, high levels of muscle tension, and lowering of immune system defenses" (Baghurst and Kelley, 2014).

The connection between stress and the immune system is well established - this is why we often get sick when it's so important to be at our best, for example during exams.

To reduce stress:

• Exercise! Cardiovascular physical activity is especially good to reduce the effects of stress
• Meditation or other relaxation techniques can be just as helpful (stress management)
• Study breaks, generally recommended to be approximately every hour

Stress management techniques and physical activity were analyzed by Baghurst and Kelley (as well as other studies) to significantly reduce test anxiety, personal burnout and perceived stress in college students.

Animals tend to be a great study break partner - whether cuddling with your pet or watching birds feed. These are pictures of my study break partners today that visited outside my window:

This guy was always on the look-out

He ate lots - and stayed longer than any other bird

Peek-a-boo!

Does anyone know what kinds of birds these are??

Reference:

 Baghurst, T., & Kelley, B. (2014). An Examination of Stress in College Students Over the Course of a Semester. Health Promotion Practice, 15(3), 438-447. DOI: 10.1177/1524839913510316 

<3 Jessica