Are you overwhelmed? …Worried? …Run down?

Here are some quick and easy solutions to help you counteract the stress in your life. These are borrowed from Deborah Davis’s book, Adult learner’s companion (pages 28, 29), available at Red River College Library.

⇒ Take deep breaths

Deep breathing calms you and helps you think more clearly.

Look further: Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation

⇒ Think before you speak

Listening and thinking before speaking allows you to respond to others calmly and appropriately, which results in better feelings all around.

Look further: Think Before you Speak (3 min video)

⇒ Find some physical activity

Any form of exercise is a stress-reliever. Even a ten-minute walk during break is beneficial. Exercise also tires you and helps you sleep better.

Look further: Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress

⇒ Make a date

Connect with others, get out of yourself and have a few laughs.

⇒ Eat slowly

It is better for digestion, you will enjoy your food more, and it may help you lose weight.

Look further: Top Ten Mindful Eating Apps

⇒ Turn off the TV

Some people use TV to zone out, as a way to avoid dealing with their stress. This may make you feel better temporarily, but in the long run it actually adds to your stress.

⇒ Eat stress-reducing foods

The right foods have the power to calm you, lower stress hormones, build up the immune system, and lower blood pressure. Sunflower seeds and oatmeal are among foods that can help fight stress.

Look further: How to Eat Right to Reduce Stress

⇒ Change your perception

Changing how you look at something can completely change your experience of it. Taking control of your thoughts is a powerful stress reliever.

Look further: The Art of Thinking Differently

More on Stress:

• Check out e-books on stress management (Red River College network login required)
• Read about managing stress, written by Red River College Counselling Services
• Take the Stress Smarts Quiz
  

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For more information on stress management and other resources at RRC Library, stop by the Library desk or contact our reference staff at:

• Notre Dame Campus Library: 204-632-2233 or library@rrc.ca
• Exchange District Campus Library: 204-949-8371 or pscref@rrc.ca