People deal with stress differently, some better than others. If you are someone who does not deal with stress very well, don’t worry because it is something that you can work on and improve. I know from first hand experience how hard it is to deal with stress at times, but the important thing to remember is that stress comes and goes. Looking back on all the times you were stressed in the past, just like then, you will get through it again and be stronger for it. Since we can’t completely get rid of stress, especially since we do go to UC Berkeley, we need to learn to manage it. Hopefully after reading this blog, you will learn some new techniques to deal with any stress you experience in your life.

The first step in managing your stress is realizing what is causing it. Identifying what causes stress in your life allows you to take some control. Once you identify your stressors start finding ways to decrease the stress that they cause. If midterms stress you out, start studying for them earlier than you normally would. Sometimes just managing your time better will help to reduce stress (see time management blogs). Or if you are having family or relationship problems talk to your loved ones about it. Sometimes just talking to someone who cares and will listen can lift a huge weight of your shoulders. In fact, that’s exactly what we PALs are here for, anytime you need to talk we would love to listen.

Besides taking control of what is causing stress in you life it is also important to do things that you know make you happy and less stressed. If you are feeling weighed down with stress, put on a song that you know always pumps you up and lifts your spirits or find another way to get rid of the negative energy caused by stress. If you feel overwhelmed take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that everything will work out, just like it always does. Personally, I like to turn up my iPOD and go for a run to clear my mind. I highly recommend getting outside and releasing some stress by getting some exercise, there’s nothing like endorphins to boost your mood.

When it comes down to it, there is no way to eliminate all stress in our lives. If we did that life wouldn’t be as interesting and we would have fewer opportunities to grow and become stronger. Remember that you are not the only one dealing with stress; we all do at one time or another. I know sometimes it may feel that it all comes at once, but once you have overcome the obstacles causing you stress you will feel very accomplished and everything will be great again.