It’s nearing the end of February. As the new year and all it’s defining factors start to sink in, and as the pressure for change lingers, we find ourselves more vulnerable to stress. Exams approach, a new season awaits us, and we are all just trying to make it into the next semester, hoping our grades are at least semi decent.

So how do we all push ourselves into the next page of the year? How do we make it without feeling like giving, and how do we all cope with our stress?

I, for one, know that there is a multitude of ways to deal with problems like this. In fact, one of the leading causes for drug usage among teens is stress. Other unhealthy ways of coping include irregular eating habits and sleep patterns, taking emotions out on others, dangerous driving, abuse of substances, self-harm, and just straight denial. But although these can seem like effective ways to blow off some steam, temporarily forget about our problems, or just cope, there are better solutions, and healthier ones too. Here are some good alternatives:

1. Work out
Sometimes when we’re stressed out we have a lot of pent up energy and emotions. The best way to blow off steam is exercise. You are able to push your physical limits, release your energy, and if you’re someone who takes things out on other people or yourself, you can take out all your emotions on your body, but in a healthy manner. Your body will also release endorphins, which is like a natural opiate produced in your body to fight stress and release pleasure.

2. Get organized.
Perhaps one of the main reasons people get stressed is because they feel like they don’t have enough time. However, it’s likely that they just aren’t managing their time wisely. A solution? If you’re feeling like you’re just too busy to take care of all your responsibilities, create a schedule for yourself or start carrying or using your planner. There is always enough time in the day to get what you need to get done, including some time for relaxation. The key is staying on task, learning efficiency, and working smarter, not harder. Don’t do things if they aren’t necessary. Do things to get them done, but don’t skimp on quality.

3. Self-care
If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, just stop what you’re doing for a while and drop all your responsibilities. Focus on yourself for just 20 minutes. If you can’t leave room for yourself once in a while, you’ll wind up getting overworked and your body will take a toll. Do something to unwind and relax yourself, and after that, you can go back to your work with a clear mind.

4. Do things with others
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to deal with things alone, find someone to release stress with. Maybe this means scheduling a study group with some classmates to get ready for a test, going on a run with someone, going shopping with a friend, or just hang out with someone you like. Often times when we are feeling down or under the weather, other people can do a great job of cheering us up.

5. Listen to music
Listening to music has been scientifically proven to help deal with your mood levels. Depending on the type of music you listen to, you can increase your level of happiness, or inflict another sort of emotion. In order to help with your stress, try listening to calm music, or songs that will help you relax.

Click here to access other articles in Volume 3, Issue 5 of The Roaring Gazette.