In an age of academic pressure and burnout, stress is only becoming more prominent with 70% of students reporting it as a major issue among peers (American Institute of Stress). Especially in academic settings, such as Irvington, stress is amplified through the pressure of high-achieving environments. However, stress is a universal feeling and mastering the ability to combat it is just as essential as mastering coursework, and here we have compiled a few ways in which you can learn to do so:
Binge-watching: Have you ever watched an entire 12-episode Korean drama or even the entire Scream movie franchise, including the 7th newly added but classic movie? This usually occurs with just a single click of the button and bam, a whole week’s worth of television-watching completed in one single sitting. While society often rules the act of binge-watching as “unproductive” or even “a waste of time”, it often acts as a temporary relief from stress. Studies show that watching a favorite series for a prolonged period of time can prompt the release of dopamine, providing the mind with a feeling of pleasure and happiness, even if it’s just for a moment (Northwestern Medicine). Be careful not to make binge-watching a consistent habit, as it may lead to potential negative side effects. But for the time-being, there is no consequence to just clicking “play” and letting your mind drift off for a couple of hours.
Treating yourself: Next is a low-risk, high reward method of relieving stress that often puts the heart, and your belly at peace. Have you noticed that getting ice cream or a sweet treat after doing well on a test often feels rewarding and increases self-esteem? In a similar way, treating yourself even with just a small snack that feels gut-healthy, or a comforting, savory meal, can reduce feelings of stress. Many particular foods have been factually proven to lower levels of stress within the mind, primarily oatmeal, a carbohydrate that balances the body’s blood sugar levels, berries which contain Vitamin C and antioxidants that lower cortisol, and dark chocolate containing polyphenols that reduce cortisol found in the body (Allina Health). Whether it’s through junk food, a whole lot of calories, or even simply a healthy alternative, go treat yourself, your body deserves it once in a while!
Cooking a meal for your family: Moving on from simply rewarding yourself, providing for others can be a great way to relieve stress. Cooking or the process of preparing a meal often requires precise thinking and skills that encourage the improvement of wellbeing (National Library of Medicine). It involves a level of cognitive stability that mitigates stress, depression, and anxiety. Not only this, but if your family enjoyed your cooking, it provides your body even more dopamine that internally motivates you to cook more. It’s a win-win situation; you and your family can enjoy a nice homemade meal and fuel possibly a hidden passion for cooking. Go try it sometime!
Engaging in Hobbies: Continuing on with actions which relieve stress, studies show that consistently engaging in a hobby can improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety/depression/etc., and create a consistent routine (Mental Health America). Some examples of hobbies which can overall improve mental health include writing, gardening and creating art. Specifically, creating art and gardening can provide aid by facilitating repetitive and relaxing motions, and all of these hobbies can be mentally stimulating. By engaging in a mental activity where you can be fully immersed without pressure, you allow your nervous system to relax. This change from needing to excel to allowing yourself to be creative or imaginative has been shown to lower heart rates and subsequently provide a much-needed break from the ticking clock of deadlines.
Ultimately, stress management is not about eliminating your workload, rather it’s about finding ways to manage it. Whether you find comfort in front of a TV screen, the beating of a whisk, or in the pages of a book, the best way to destress is whichever way works best for you. Remember that taking a break is not a sign of unproductivity or inefficiency, rather it’s a critical investment in your success. Finally, it’s critical to view your life as a marathon instead of a sprint, as endurance is the goal, not just a short spurt of effort. If you don’t stop to take a breather occasionally, you risk burning out before you can make it to the finish line. By prioritizing taking the time out to recharge, you aren’t slowing down your progress, you’re ensuring you have the stamina to actually finish the race.
