Coping skills to manage stress
When you go through periods of stress, it is helpful to develop good coping skills.
Eat well and avoid alcohol
- Eat healthy food
- Have regular meals including breakfast each day
- Avoid alcohol, drugs, caffeine, cigarettes and energy drinks
Get enough exercise and sleep
- Go for a 30-minute walk every day
- Get enough rest
- Keep regular hours – avoid staying up too late and sleeping in
- Do activities that you find relaxing (such as yoga, meditation or reading)
Manage your time well
- Allow time for relaxation and catching up with family and friends
- If you procrastinate, take steps to become more productive
Deal with issues as they come up
- Don’t avoid dealing with things
- Don’t hide your emotions or bottle things up
- Talk about problems with friends or family
If you have study problems, talk to your tutor or lecturer as soon as you can.