How can I deal with stress?

Joana,

I've got great news regarding stress! I know what you're thinking: "great news about stress? what in the world..." But it's TRUE! Are you ready for this?!

-When you find yourself STRESSED just remember that's how you spell DESSERTS backwards!

Honestly, stress is a dilemma that is like a cavity... if you ignore it or let it build up, you'll do more harm than you can imagine. Obviously, you don't have to imagine since you're experiencing it right now, just as I myself have had many stressful situations in my job as a call center employee. With our smartphones and advances in technology, ease of use for all of these apps and gadgets, life should be easier, right? It's easy to get swept up in the rush of all the hustle and bustle in everyday life. I had a great mentor who illustrated stress management to me like this:

If you ask me to do any task; whether building a house, doing laundry for everyone in the family, or writing three book reports for three different classes... it is literally impossible to complete everything entirely all at once. Take one thing at a time, one manageable piece of work, and work it to completion, then you can start on the next.

That is the big secret. When we are racing in our minds at 100+mph to get everything done immediately, or when Mom is asking for help when you have a major assignment due: focus on one thing at a time. sometimes you won't be able to finish everything, or you may not be able to commit to all of the responsibilities you have.

That's ok! Sometimes we commit to too many things and find ourselves stretched too thin... It can be helpful to prioritize and say "no" to something every once in a while. If it doesn't help you complete your goals, then it's only a hindrance.

Junior high, high school and college are going to be training grounds for how you organize and manage everyday stress. Start to develop strong habits now and the rest will be a breeze! I've had to start a journal with my goals and objectives for the day, week, and months to come. I'd recommend looking into different time management videos on YouTube.

I have been in your same position! It can be very difficult juggling your life and school load at the same time. What I find helpful is setting aside a specific time period that is just for ME, no matter what, I stick to that time frame each week to make sure I get my school work done! Consistency is key to balancing a schedule. As other have said, having a "to-do" list is vital. I keep mine in the "notes" in my phone. If I try writing it down, I tend to forget to check, but setting reminders in my phone (that is always attached to me) is a very helpful feature! One of the biggest stresses I used to deal with is time management in general, but taking those few extra moments to schedule yourself with a  routine will benefit you in the end!

HI,

It is all about managing time. I suggest using your smartphone to note down all the important task that need to get done for example any study groups or work hours. I would also refer to the calendar when someone ask you to assist them in some task. If you are unable to help out you need to learn to say "No".

A lot of times we feel that saying "no" is rude and negative but you must prioritize yourself and your family before others. If you have a major paper to work on or study for an exam the next day, you are entitled to your own time.

I would like to suggest that from 9:00-10:00PM at night every night it should be me time. After school and a long day of work it is a must to relax.

Here is a link from entrepreneur.com with helpful tips on how to manage time:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/299336

You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).

Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.

This could definitely be difficult to manage when you are having to keep up with all of your responsibilities. Though I believe it is truly important to set time aside for yourself even if your schedule hardly allows for you, you need that "me" time. Take the time to do something you enjoy whatever that may be and make it part of your daily or weekly routine. 

https://www.headspace.com/blog/2016/08/22/the-secret-benefit-of-routines-it-wont-surprise-you/