Managing stress can be done

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Stress is usually a big part of most of our lives, especially for students who are trying to balance school, work, family and whatever else life brings their way. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do to stop or avoid stress from happening, but there are ways we can reduce the impact stress has on us. There are three types of stress: physical, such as back or joint pain; social, such as fighting with your parents or partner, and psychological, like feeling guilty or depressed. There are two ways we can react: With distress (a negative reaction) or with eustress (a positive one).

To react negatively to stress will likely cause you to become even more stressed. Say you're having troubles with your computer, and you negatively react and break the keyboard to relieve the tension. Now not only is your computer still not doing what you want, but your keyboard is broken too. Reacting positively, you would walk away from the problem when you feel the pressure building and take a break, have a coffee or listen to music. After you're relaxed, try trouble-shooting the problem again. In most cases, the answers are right in front of you.

There are a few key steps you can follow to better manage your stress, whether it be physical, social or psychological.

1. Realize that you are feeling stressed. Recognizing the problem exists can sometimes be tough, but if you check in with yourself once in a while, you should be able to catch the stress before it becomes overwhelming.

2. Pinpoint the cause of the stress and decide whether or not you have any control over the situation. If you can control it, think of ways you can resolve the issue. If not, try changing the way you react to the stress. Instead of focusing on the negative factors, think of any positive things that could come from this. This might be tough but getting overwhelmed with stress and getting down on yourself will never benefit you in any situation. Why waste your time and energy being uncomfortable?

3. Think of your goal regarding the situation. What would your preferred outcome be?

4. Even if you cannot control the situation, try to think of ways to reach your goal despite the problem at hand.

5. Pick one of the options you came up with and try to accomplish your goal. This strategy may not always work, but if you do succeed, it will make you feel that much better about yourself, your abilities and your strength.

Changing the way you react to stress - also known as cognitive restructuring - can be extremely helpful. Rather than thinking only of the negative and thinking things like “This always happens to me” or “Nothing ever goes right,” which will only make you feel angry and helpless - try to think of it as a challenge that you get to accomplish. When you overcome it, you can be proud of yourself and feel satisfied. Of course, all situations cannot be resolved with just positive thought, but these perspectives are more for your comfort and peace of mind. Don't waste your life regretting never being truly relaxed and happy.