Coming home from a hard day of work, you just want to relax and take a load off. Then you’re greeted by bills, dishes,countless unread emails and a seemingly never ending amount of homework. It really just makes you want to pull your hair out, doesn’t it? Do not fret though, save those clumps of golden locks. Here are some very easy, simple steps you can take to reducing stress, not only at work but in the homestead as well.
As college students, many of you probably balance work, school, relationships and family. It gets hard sometimes. One of the things you can do is make work fun, without getting fired of course. It sounds stupid and ridiculous but it is possible. If you work as a cashier, build up a relationship with some of the customers. Talk with them, joke with them. You would be surprised how much a laugh and a smile can make your job better and less stressful. If you work in any job that deals with people you can do this. Build up a repertoire of repeat customers and just say hello and make conversation. It’ll make your day.
If you work in the trades, such as plumbing or construction, make it fun and interesting. Most people go into the trades because they interest them. Go into it like you are solving a problem or a puzzle. Don’t forget, you are also getting paid big bucks in a trade job. Money sometimes makes everything better. At home, if you have chores or jobs to do around the house, do them immediately. It saves you so much stress in the long run. Your room mates, parents or significant other won’t be ragging on you to finish them and you don’t have to worry about it later in the day. You’ll have a clear conscience.
One thing you should never do as a stress reliever is sit down and watch T.V. It increases your chances for cardiac arrest by 11 percent according to a study by “The Week.” If you want to relieve stress, play music. No, not grunge or heavy metal or hardcore rap. That actually has been shown to increase stress and aggression. Play classical music. You are not a sissy or a loser for listening to a Bach symphony. It has been shown in various studies to reduce stress and have a calming soothing effect on people.
You can also write. Keeping a journal helps focus all of your energy into something. All of that stress can go into short stories or page-long rants on how your boss is terrible. You don’t have to be the next Philip Pullman, just write. If worse comes to worst, play video games. Video games have been shown to increase hand eye coordination, problem solving and quick thinking. Just don’t play for more than four hours a day.
Follow these tips and hints you will be on your way to a less stressful day.