College can be a time of immense upheaval, change and unprecedented stress for many students. Stress can be caused by the new responsibility to juggle finances as well as increased alcohol consumption, poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise. Even though stress is common, it is still important to find ways to manage it effectively. From speaking to friends/family about various struggles and doing exercises at home to even trying alternative methods like buying cbd oil online (as this is said to have calming properties), for example, these are just some ways for people to help manage stress in their lives.
The structure of self-directed learning entrusts the college student with the responsibility to attend, keep up, and submit. And not to mention conduct a decent social life simultaneously – an unrealistic motto for most. This build-up of stress can impact negatively your mental well-being. Not everyone has found an effective way to manage stress just yet, but with there being options such as speaking to friends/family and writing things down, to even trying CBD products (check out sites like Serenity Store – Buy CBD Products Online for more information), these are just a few ways that people can help manage their stress levels a lot more effectively. As well as this, stress can also be combated through regular exercise. So, even if the gym is a foreign station somewhere past the Hamilton to you and the idea of you running induces rigors, it’s time to put away that fear and introduce some exercise into your life. You should also make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet. You could even include Rhodiola Rosea into your diet if you want to lose weight quicker.
Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, three times a week can be attributed to increasing self-esteem and lowering levels of negative mood, increasing our metabolic levels of energy and stamina, improving mental alertness and cognitive function, not to mention the favorable outcome on the immune system, improved fitness levels, and weight reduction. Win-win situation. Exercise affects the brain, lowering the feelings of anxiety. When we run, there is an induced increase in the blood circulation to the brain that affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This biological influence is thought to be mediated by the collaboration of the HPA axis with the areas of the brain that control mood and motivation.
Realism is key however. If your previous repertoire of exercise involved walking to the fridge or shuffling between pubs, don’t push yourself too far too quickly. Increase your fitness levels steadily. Doing a two-hour stint on a treadmill once a month will leave you physically exhausted, aching, and associating exercise with tempting heart attacks. Even worse, your confidence levels will plummet following an unrealistic work-out that your body is unaccustomed to. Starting yourself off with ease is key, and some people turn to herbal supplements at the beginning of their journey to give themselves a boost. For example, Kratom can be used to boost your energy, improve your concentration and help relieve pain if you do push it too far. Reading Kratom Reviews might give you a better insight. Extreme and intense exercise for the average couch potato can prove detrimental. For those starting out on the exercise trail, splitting your work out can be just as effective. As opposed to a gruelling half hour, three ten minute bouts will do the job just as well.
Exercise is responsible for producing a narcotic effect in the body. Yes, narcotic. Endorphins are the narcotic neurotransmitters released in our bodies during exercise. Established as “feel good chemicals”, they work in the central nervous system by prompting and supressing neuronal signalling. A stimulus such as food, sex or pain (or all three at once-whatever you’re into) causes endorphin release. They block pain signal transmission, inducing a ‘high’ or euphoric feeling by locking with opioid receptors. Opiate drugs such as morphine and heroin are synthetically designed to imitate such a response. Endorphins elicit an organic pain killer and give us a sense of accomplishment, by working with the body’s reward pathway. Sprinting, spicy food and orgasms are characterised by the endorphin release and general sense of being on top of the world… Even just for a few seconds.
If your previous repertoire of exercise involved walking to the fridge or shuffling between pubs, don’t push yourself too far too quickly.
If exercise isn’t your thing then relaxation techniques might be what you’re looking for. These less strenuous exercises could help to lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as control frustration. We can gain confidence by remaining calm and controlled in stressful or difficult situations. If you’re prone to agitation and anger, meditation might be for you. However, an energising and stimulating exercise might be more suitable for those prone to becoming withdrawn in times of stress.
All relaxation practice requires a quiet setting, a point of focus, good posture, comfortable clothing, and a non-critical and positive mental attitude. If you’re cynical about sitting like a lotus flower on a yoga mat before you’ve even begun, don’t expect good results. Autogenic relaxation involves body awareness, controlled breathing, reduction in muscle tension and creating a sort of inner Zen. You should become aware of your surroundings and of all physical sensations.
Visualisation is the powerful practice of forming mental images to achieve a desired outcome. Whether you’re imagining yourself content on a serene beach or running a marathon, belief in the reality of the thought is essential. Self-belief is also required. You need to incorporate all five senses to create a realistic and vivid place in your mind.
Many successful people have used visualisation to relax and achieve their goals. Tiger Woods visualised where he would control his golf ball to stop on the course, whereas Will Smith visualised his actual success. Exercises such as yoga, pilates and tai chi have been proven to improve stamina, strength, concentration and relieve stress. These practices also aid flexibility and condition the body. Relaxation is integral to stress management. The ability to switch off from the daily pressures of college life is achievable and desirable. The method by which you choose to relax is entirely up to you.
