After a stressful day, it’s easy to zone out to mindless TV/social media or binge on comfort food.
But this can mean you end up going to bed feeling drained and anxious… and you start off the next day feeling much the same! Thanks to the Guild Welfare Department and Student Assist, here are a few quick and simple actions that can work wonders for calming your nerves…
1. Exercise
As well as improving your overall health and well-being, exercise has some direct stress-busting benefits. It pumps up your endorphins and improves your mood. Go for a brisk walk or jog around campus in-between lectures/exam study or join the gym at UWA for as little as $13 per week.
2. Spend time in nature
Even five minutes outdoors can help relieve stress and boost your mood. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings we have at UWA: go for a brisk walk by the river or around the gardens to de-stress and regain focus.
3. Breathe (well!)
Shallow over-breathing, or hyperventilation, can prolong feelings of anxiety by making the physical symptoms of stress worse. Spend a few minutes focusing on long, deep breaths.
4. Eat healthy foods
When we’re stressed, we often turn to traditional comfort foods like hot chips, pizza, and ice cream. Ironically, these high-fat foods are usually the worst possible choices because they can make us feel lethargic and less able to deal with stress. Stock up on healthy options like your favourite fruits and nuts.
5. Stay positive
Positive thinking may improve your health in many ways and even extend your life span! Here’s how to do it.
6. Stay connected
Staying connected with a support network can be critical in helping you through the stress of tough times, whether you’ve had a bad day at uni or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. Keep in touch with important people in your life, like family, uni friends and co-workers.
7. Take a break or meditate
Take time throughout the day to stop what you are doing, look out the window, let your shoulders drop, stretch and allow your mind to calm down. Taking several pauses throughout the day can prevent stress from building up. If you have a stressful situation such as an unpleasant encounter, a hard to grasp concept or a tough assignment, give yourself time afterwards to calm down. Treat yourself with a healthy snack, a warm bath or a massage.