Isn’t it crazy how Stress Awareness Day landed the very next day after the Presidential Election Day?! We all have stressors in our lives whether you are a student, single parent, unemployed, etc. COVID has also not helped most of us with our sanity and wellbeing, plus yesterday’s election has most of the country on edge, no matter who you’re rooting for.
As a medical student, I definitely experience stress. Failure literally lurks every exam. Every class. Every year. No matter what stressors you’re experiencing in your life, it’s important to manage them in a healthy manner and have balance in your life. Here’s some strategies on how to better manage stress.
Eat healthy. When you eat refined carbs (that’s food that’s mostly sugar and processed grains like soda, juices, white pasta), your blood sugar can spike, then you’ll crash, and that crash often leads to an increase in stress and anxiety. Instead, eat healthy foods and healthy fats (say avocado, eggs, lean turkey), which will lead to better mood regulation, sleep, and energy balance.
Exercise. Exercise is known to help reduce stress and promote better sleep. Oh yea, sleep is great too. Make sure you’re getting enough. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (aka hormones), which help relieve body pains, reduce emotional stress, and promote a sense of well-being. So, exercising is a great way to cope with stress.
I’ve had experience working in a hostile work environment. The one thing that always kept me sane was going to the gym with my aunt, doing some cardio, and lifting weights. After a bad day at work, I always felt better after hitting the gym. It also helped that I went to the gym right after work, blew off some steam, and then went home clearheaded instead of taking my anger and frustration home with me.
Manage your time. A lot of stress is due to feeling overwhelmed and overworked. Making a schedule and time blocking can help with that. By time blocking, I mean assigning a task to a certain timeframe in your day. It’s okay to give yourself a stop time for work as well. Allot time for your work, hobbies, exercise, family time, me time, and whatever else is important for you.
Make time for things you enjoy. If you’re miserable and sad, that’s not going to improve your stress. Even during stressful times, it’s important to have a balance between work and play. You have to give yourself time to do things you enjoy. Prime example: as I’m writing this blog post, I could and maybe should be studying. But honestly, I just had an exam and I need some me time. I need some time to do something I actually enjoy doing, which includes writing on my blog and preferably not learning about enzymes (which is what we are learning about right now). Make time for your hobbies, passions, interests, relaxation, and me time.
Be around people that make you happy. This may seem obvious, and this honestly should be your montra even when you’re not stressed, but especially when you are stressed or going through a difficult time in your life. This is the time to surround yourself with people that fill you, not drain you.
Stay positive. I am a strong believer that the energy you put into this world, you will get right back! When you’re going through a rough patch or stressful season, try to look at the glass half full. Things can always be worse. There is always something to be thankful for, and there is good in every day! Have that positive energy so you get that same positive energy right back during your difficult time.
Now, here is your homework: since reading this list, what can you change in your life and start doing today or tomorrow to help you better manage the stressors that come your way?
Reminder: things will get better!
Margaret Nicole
Marg, The Med Beauty 