Mental health is as equally important as any other type of physical health so we should treat it as such. April is Stress Awareness Month and a common feeling among students around this time is burnout, so here are some tips to help reduce stress and get you through the end of the year.  

Physical Activity 

Participating in an that gets you moving is proven to make you feel better. Simple exercises like walking or biking can help increase serotonin production in the body. Serotonin is a chemical mood stabilizer that has been connected to feeling good and happy. Just taking a walk for half an hour should be enough to start feeling better and more relaxed.  

Practice Self-care 

People might think this strategy is a harder one because you have to actively take time to make time for yourself. But the truth is it can be doing anything that makes you happy and feel good! This can range from lighting your favorite candle to getting a massage. As long as you are finding ways to prioritize yourself and well-being, it will help you to manage your stress and decrease your chances of burnout. You have to remind yourself from time to time that you are important and deserve some care! 

Reduce Caffeine Intake  

Now I want to preface this by saying that I am not telling you to stop ordering your go-to Dunkin or Starbucks drink. Coffee can actually have some health benefits to it, but in moderation. You don’t have to cut out all of your caffeine but just cutting back a little bit can be an effective way to reduce stress. Because caffeine is a stimulant for people’s nervous systems, it can cause an increase in anxiety and insomnia. If you are looking to cut back on caffeine but still looking for some energy you can try alternatives like golden milk (turmeric milk), chai or peppermint tea, or even smoothies!  

Get Creative!  

If you are more of the artsy or design type of person, then this solution is for you! When people are engaging with the more creative parts of their brain, it causes a person to be completely absorbed in the task so that other worries start to fade away. Psychologists refer to this state as “flow” and in this state our brains start to produce more dopamine and serotonin, giving us that rush of good feelings. Now this tip isn’t only for people with a creative streak; it can be something as simple as coloring or just drawing whatever you feel.  

Spend time with friends, family, or pets 

An awesome support system is the ultimate way to help you manage your stress. Just having people around that you trust makes people feel less alone and more likely to reach out for help. Even getting a hug from a parent or best friend can help release oxytocin which helps lower heart rate. Similarly, spending time with your favorite furry friend can lower stress because they can help keep you active and petting them also releases oxytocin.  

Members of our St. Edward community have their own ways to destress. Junior Nina Filippi says her go-to way to chill is to make a bullet journal. Sophomore Olivia Ceyerance says to get her mind off of whatever is stressing her by “listen[ing] to music or talk[ing] to a friend.” Stress management isn’t an easy task but there are small steps we can take to help lessen our stress and make our quality of life better. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all of these options. Start small and pick one of these options to try out this month!