Top 10 Stress Reduction Tips to Help you Thrive

1. Stress out your stress! Attack a stressor directly instead of ignoring it; this is a great way to begin problem-solving. For example, if you’re overloaded with credits, sit down and figure out a schedule that will work better for you next semester.
2. Be social! Spending time with friends and loved ones can help reduce the stress you have about that upcoming paper. 
3. Eat healthfully and exercise. Candy at the movies, pizza for dinner, fast food because it’s cheap (and admittedly good); we all know that junk food goes hand in hand with relaxation. But maintaining your body is maintaining your mind, and eating healthy can reduce stress.
4. Seek out student services. Feeling overwhelmed about a paper? Head to the Tutoring Center. Need a job? Go to the Career Center. These are just two of the many offices on campus that are available to help. 
5. Strive for realistic goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself with unattainable expectations. For instance, if your work and school schedules are clashing, figure out which is more important for you rather than struggling to balance both at the same time.
6. Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Get as much sleep as you can, at least seven hours a night. A good night’s sleep will help you conquer your daily stressors and challenges.
7. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself how important and skilled you are. Slow down and give yourself credit for your accomplishments.
8. Focus more on how much you can learn, rather than having to achieve a certain grade.
9. Don’t compare yourself to others who seem more accomplished. Aim more toward achieving your goals and learning from your successes and failures.
10. Professional help can be key. Our colleges have many resources to support your well-being. Contact the Student Health Center on your campus to make an appointment.

Bonus: Take a break and give yourself a break!