Stress: tips and tricks

Many of you reading this are probably going through an experience that is causing you stress. This can be anything from exams, jobs, family members or just the pressures of life itself but I want you to know something; it's all going to be okay and you're gonna get through this.

Here are some of the tips and tricks that I have tried whenever I'm feeling under pressure with a deadline or if life has become too stressful;

• schedule your time- e.g. study time, relaxation time etc
• eat your meals- food for thought- you cant concentrate if your hungry so don't skip meals because youre 'too busy'- I'm especially guilty for this!
• get enough sleep- its recommended you get around 8 hours of sleep a night.
• get some exercise- it doesn't have to be much, maybe just a walk or some stretching to get your body moving
• take breaks- every hour take a 5-10 minute break
• stay hydrated
• get everything for the morning ready the night before
• break large tasks into smaller sections
• give yourself a larger time frame than you think necessary- often things take longer than we think and then when we are 'behind schedule' it adds even more stress so be generous with timings.
• say no to extra projects- although its always nice to help other people out, you have to put yourself first because you cannot be there for others till you're sorted yourself.
• do one thing everyday that makes you happy- make sure to take some time out of your day to do something that makes your soul feel alive, this helps your mind set for the rest of the day because you wont feel so rundown.
• ask for help when you need it- its not a bad thing to ask for help, it doesn't make you weak or unable to do the job. You just need some support to fit a certain timeframe etc. 



Things will get easier.
Good luck.
-Louise x