stressed - how can I deal?

oldsak

I've been feeling pretty stressed lately. It's strange for me because I'm usually the person who can roll with anything.

It's gone beyond the point of motivating me to do things to the point where I lock up, get jittery, can't make myself do anything.

I was going to post some more details but it started turning into quite the bitch fest. Basically, I spend a large amount of my time on either school or work. I'm worried about my ability to do well in school. I make time to see my girlfriend but have no time for my friends. I rarely play music anymore. I'm living a completely sedentary lifestyle at this point but I can't seem to find the time to engage in the type of activities I enjoy. I'm very nearly broke.

I'm just looking for ways to help myself unwind and let some of this out so I can actually focus and address issues ahead of me. I'm not unwilling to try anything be it minor or drastic as long as I can find the time and means to do it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Limp moose

I know exactly how you feel. Last year I started a new school and it was ridiculously tough. I was stressed and losing sleep for the first time in my life.

The things that worked best for me were the following.

Work out. Even just a half hour run or bike ride does wonders for clearing your head.
Take breaks. No subject is so important that you cant take a 5 minute break every 45 minutes or so. Get back to it after that but every 5 minute break really keeps your head fresh. If you just poke away at something nonstop after an hour and a half your brain is mush.
Stop anything stress related at least an HOUR before bed. Thats right Schedule your time so you have a full hour of goof off / unwind time before bed. If you dont you will just lie in bed thinking about your work and not get a good night sleep.

If it is people that are stressing you out. Avoid them. Or work out what ever is stressing you. Don't let it boil under the surface and bother you. Either fix the problem or move on.

Also make sure you are eating healthy and not fast food all the time. Break the cycle of grabbing dinner on the way home from school or work every night and you will start to feel better and have more energy.

The real focus is on you to distress your life. All these things help but you need to just focus and realize that only you can make yourself un-sedentary and happy. No one else is going to do that for you.

Aldo

I'm in the same boat as you, if I don't watch out I get so stressed out I punch holes in walls and I'll be mean to everyone. The above is very helpful, although a bit hard to just do.

It is really important to force yourself to stand up and do something other than school work every now and then. For me it helped to work out or to grab my sabre (yes sabre) and fiddle around with it. Sometimes I just rock out to the music that is one. Airguitaring is a pretty nice way to unwind, for me.

Of course, none of this works all the time, if there was some foolproof way to stop stressing I'd love to hear it.

casper_27d

When I get to stressed from school, work or impending death from above I go for a run. It gives you time to just breath and be away from everything. Once you start to get those enorphines flowing from running you will start to feel better. Also as a side affect it is healthy.

Black Ice

What level of school are you in if you don't mind me asking??? I'm really stressed out now too. I haven't had time for anything in months and I just went out with an ex last night and it was the most therapeutic night I've had in what seems like forever..

Definitely work out, and as casper said, I'd recommend running. Definitely more therapeutic than weight-lifting. I wish I could give more advice, but I'm seeking the same advice you're seeking, so I can't.. all I know is working out helps me the most and without it I couldn't function.

oldsak

I'm a first year law student. So yeah it's supposed to be stressful, but I'm definitely under pressure because if I don't rank in the top 40% I lose my scholarships and can't pay for school. I'm pretty sure I've never ranked in the top 40% of any class, at least not consistently.

I'll give running another go. I've tried before but it's hard to stick with because I hate running. I like soccer and was going to a few regular games last year, but I don't have the time for those now.

My campus has no gym or athletic facilities of any sort and I can't afford a gym membership so my options are a little limited.