Being a student is fun and challenging. At the same time, it is often quite stressful. Here are some ideas for dealing with the stresses so that you have more room for the fun!

1. Manage yourself. Most people talk about managing time in order to have more of what life has to offer, but it’s only in managing ourselves that we really see a difference in our lives and are able to handle any stress life throws at us. Manage yourself and other things will fall into place.

2. Control your environment by controlling who and what is surrounding you. Life is like a teacup. There’s only so much “stuff” that will fit into it. If you fill your cup with the wrong things and the wrong people, you won’t have time for the right things and right people. The wrong things and people bring stress. The right people and things bring joy and contentment. Choose who and what gets your time and attention.

3. Be good to yourself. Acknowledge yourself for the good you do! Be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as you might have wanted them to. There are just some things that you can’t control — no matter how much you want to. Love yourself for who you are right now — at this very moment.

4. Reward yourself. Leisure activities are otherwise known as recreational activities. When you do things that bring you joy, you are re-creating your spirit. Nurturing your spirit is a great way to help you reduce stress.Take time to do things that reward you, every day.

5. Exercise your body. Health and vitality depend on your body’s ability to use oxygen and food effectively. One of the ways to help that happen is through exercise. Exercise also releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve one’s mood, making it a great way to deal with stress! Move your body every day!

6. Relax yourself. What do you do to really relax? Do you even take the time, or know how to? Meditation, listening to soothing music, spending time with friends and people you love, conscious breathing… these are all ways to really relax. If your mind is pulled to the things that stress you, you aren’t really relaxed! Take time to be absolutely quiet every day.

7. Rest yourself. It’s important to take breaks. There’s a reason why employers give you several during the day. Take them. While you are responsible for your own study schedule, it’s critical to your success that you take time to rest — away from your desk — takes naps if you’re feeling nappish! It’s also important to get sufficient sleep. Most people need at least seven hours each night. Good sleep habits include having a set bedtime and a set waking time. Did you know that if you don’t get the amount of sleep you need, you can be off (in your ability to think, respond and judge) by as much as 50% the next day? Following a pattern and establishing a rhythm for yourself and your body help you be more relaxed and less stressed during the day. Go to bed! Don’t apologize for wanting to “turn in” early!

8. Be aware of yourself. Pay attention to your body. It gives you clues as to what it needs, and when something is wrong with it. Also, know what makes you feel great, and what makes you feel lousy. Being able to recognize them will help you make great decisions for yourself. Also, listen to your intuition. Your wise self never gives you the wrong answers. Your head, on the other hand, will almost always try to talk you out of it. Wake up and pay attention. You learn all sorts of things this way!

9. Feed yourself and avoid poisoning your body. Our minds have really been polluted with ideas of what a “healthy” diet looks like, and what “proper” nutrition is. Learn about what things like “low fat” prepared foods, sugar, fat, caffeine and tap water are really doing to your body. Improper nutrition causes stress in the body. It’s not hard to get the right information and make great choices for yourself.Eat good stuff!! Your body will thank you!

10. Enjoy yourself. We’ve all seen stories of people who are diagnosed with some horrible disease and given six months to live who have, in those last months, really developed a love of life — a desire to enjoy it all.Well, forget about the person with only 6 months…. what about you? You probably only have 80 or so years if even that … shouldn’t each moment of your life be utterly succulent too? There’s only so much time in this life. Every moment of it is precious. Make it all count. When you do, you’ll find you have less stress, fewer physical problems, and that you’re more productive. Look for the good/sweet/fun/joyous in every situation, even when life seems less than fair.

This article was written by: Stacy Brice iamnext.com