BY MAX MCAULIFF, STAFF WRITER
As another year of classes begin, stress levels start to rise. Whether you’re a freshman trying to navigate your way through your first few weeks of classes or a senior applying to graduate school, chances are you’re stressed. Finding ways to manage stress isn’t always easy, but once it is accomplished it feels like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Getting into a routine is one way to manage stress.
It is better for stress to be dealt with as soon as possible. Symptoms of stress are headaches, anxiety, and fatigue, to name a few. To live a healthy lifestyle, it is important to manage any stress you might have as healthy a way as possible. No one is going to be able to rid themselves completely of stress but managing it in proper healthy ways is the best way to deal with it.
Now that we are upon our fourth week of classes (I can’t believe it either), everyone is likely into a routine. Some routines may be good, and some may be bad. Speaking from existence, going to bed at two o’clock in the morning because you have been watching “Game of Thrones” for three hours falls into the bad category. If you’re in this category and don’t want to be in it, it is not too late to change your routine and set foot on the right track.
I have found that setting a routine for myself has been instrumental in managing any stress I may have. Implementing a routine can give you a sense of control when life may seem like there’s very little structure in it. Many hours of the day are out of one’s control which makes it important to set a routine for the hours that are in our control.
When I am not in class, I make sure to allot plenty of time to get work done and study, otherwise setting a routine would be for nothing. However, one mistake I used to make when it came to setting a routine is that I would revolve everything around studying and doing homework. I now follow a routine that allows myself ample time to go to the gym, cook meals, and do something I enjoy.
Taking a break from doing homework and studying is key to managing stress, and it’s important to build free time into one’s routine. It has taken me years to realize how important managing stress is, and the effect that a good routine can have on stress. As I mentioned earlier, everyone has a routine, but having a good routine is something that cannot be stressed enough.
Implementing a routine and sticking to it is a choice that must be made by one’s own will and desire to better themselves. Creating and sticking to a routine is something that has helped me immensely this year. I encourage anyone who is stressed to try implementing a routine in their lives. The results will amaze you.
