Let's Talk About Stress

Stress. We all know about it, but I thought this infographic sums it up well. However, it does not tell the whole story. Do you know any unusual ways in which your body reacts to stress? Any strange side effects?Any tips on how to deal with them? Share your story by leaving a (anonymous) comment below.

S.T.R.E.S.S.

Hello lovelies,

Long time no see. Is it because you're busy and oh so stressed? This month has been so busy for so many people that I'm starting to think it should be renamed to Stressuary. Yet there are still people just don't seem to get stressed. Yes, you know who you are. But for the rest of us who are beginning to crack under the pressure of endless work and life commitments, I've decided to write 3 simple tips on how to avoid burnout and breakdowns.

1. Eat well, rest well. Forget about the whole work hard, play hard mantra. That's for superbeings not for us, mere mortals. First of all, don't forget to eat. Fuel your body with loads of proteins and fibre and give yourselves a boost with a bit of sugar and caffeine (don't overdo it). Second, make sure you get adequate rest. Sleep as much as you can, whenever you can. Remember, you don't need to follow a regular sleep pattern - naps can be lifesaving during very stressful periods of time.
2. Exercise. Once your body is fuelled you might want to burn all the adrenalin rushing through your body. To avoid punching the person next to you, simply try doing as much or as little exercise as you can on a daily basis. Even a brisk walk would do. And don't forget to take deep breaths - it really works (as many yoga fanatics would tell you - breathing is the secret of super health [perhaps because it keeps us alive?])
3. Talk it through. Would you believe it that moaning and complaining and telling everyone what you have and haven't done so far is a great stress buster? It may not work for everyone, but telling someone what is bothering you or going over your next plan of action can have a calming effect. It helps you put things into perspective and see things from a different point of view.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So there you go folks. I hope these tips will be useful and if you've got any of your own that you would like to share don't be afraid to post a comment below.

All together now: inhale, exhale.

All the best!

Fighting Stress at Uni

Hello dear readers!

I know it's been a while since my last post, but as most of you would know, uni life can be so stressful! Hence I'm going to give you a few stress busters that I've been reading about lately. Hope it helps you, whatever you may be stressing about!

Feeling stressed out?!

1.) Take study breaks. Using up all your energy on 'study marathons' leaves your body and mind less able to cope with the stress that comes from worrying about .... you guessed it - studying! Taking a 10-20 minute walk around the block will do the trick.

2.) Brain power. Our minds often wonder off into the future or get stuck in the past. Worrying about your next exam while studying for the one that's tomorrow creates anxiety. Help your mind stay in the present by meditating for about 20 minutes a day. Focus on your breathing and bring your mind back from the future/past.

3.) Write to-do lists. This is my favourite and I promise you it works. List down all the things you need to do for a set period of time (today, this week, this month, etc). Now prioritize the important tasks and postpone those that can wait. This helps you stay focused and reduces anxiety. Try it.

Going for a walk...

4.) Sleep well. Yep, we all know this one. Sleep is vital for, well, everything! Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night (a little secret: the sleep you get before midnight is so much better for your body). Living on campus? Noisy flatmates? Get some earplugs and an eyeshade - does wonders for me. If not you can always complain to those in charge.

5.) Eat well too. When we are stressed we get major cravings for carbohydrates (after all they do relieve stress temporarily). However, eating junk food and loads of sugary and fatty treats can leave you feeling not so good afterwards. Eating healthy when you don't have much time and cash isn't that hard - low fat greek yoghurt, fruits, cheese strings.... you get it.

Sometimes we crave food when we aren't really hungry (stress again!). Instead of distracting yourself with loads of food, go for a walk, read you favourite blog (cue: my blog) or a short magazine article. Any enjoyable activity should help you banish the mindless eating.

Home-made smoothies with fresh fruit! Yummy!

6.) Take 5. Spare five minutes of your time to: make your bed, clear your desk, listen to music, sniff a lemon (which reduces the body's fight-or-flight stress response) or just unplug all electronics. Doing these things will help you create a positive study environment, make you smile and simply take your mind off things (for 5 minutes at least!)

Adapted from WebMD Campus magazine (http://www.webmd.com/magazine/player?issue=416187833&page=20)

Stay healthy my lovelies! Don't stress so much and to my fellow Sydney-siders - enjoy the sunshine!!!!

Up next: my exciting adventures on the set of the short feature film "Sapphires"

xoxo