Healthy Ways to Curb Stress

stress

Do you feel like you have so many tests to take, assignments to turn in and papers to write before spring break that it seems like a lifetime away? The winter can be a stressful time for students, particularly those with their eye on a spring graduation.

Here are a few healthy ways to curb stress during those especially tough weeks of school.

Disconnect – When you have a full load of coursework, it may seem impossible to disconnect from your table, laptop or smart phone. But giving your mind and eyes a break from your electronics can not only give you much needed rest time, it can also help to reactivate your brain and get your creative juices flowing, which may just help you come up with the perfect topic for your class essay.

Take Your Vitamins – Eating healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals is a great way to keep your body healthy, but it can also help reduce anxiety and stress. For those who live in colder climates without much sunshine in the winter, Vitamin D supplements are a great option that have been associated with helping ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. B Vitamins are also known for offering a variety of benefits including promoting brain and nervous system functions, and reducing irritability.

Produce Endorphins – Endorphins are the chemicals released by the brain that put you in a good mood and combats stress. There are a number of ways to get your endorphin fix, from exercising, to taking time out for a laugh break to getting romantic with your partner.

Be Mindful – Whether you prefer meditation, yoga or simply walking in nature, take 20 minutes out of your day to calm the mind, listen to your breath and allow yourself to distance yourself from your stress points.

Sleep – Getting enough sleep (at least 7 hours a night) is one of the easiest ways to curb stress. Regular sleep keeps your body’s immune system strong, your mind sharp and your body ready to tackle your busy schedule.

Try these tips and spring break will be here before you know it.

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