2021 Stress Down Day

Stress Down Day promotes happiness, taking the time to de-stress and encouraging those who are dealing with stress to seek help.  It is also a day that seeks to increase awareness of suicide prevention through raising funds for Lifeline’s crisis support services. For more information, check out the  Lifeline website.

As a Regional University Centre we see many students experience the pressures of balancing study, work and home life. Finding this balance isn’t always easy, so here are some steps to stress less.

As Centre Manager of the Country Universities Centre Parkes, I see many students experience the pressures of balancing study, work and homelife. Finding this balance isn’t always easy, so here are some steps to stress less. These steps might just benefit you, so have a read!

Steps to Stress Less

Step 1: Identify your stress factors

Find out exactly what it is that is causing you stress. Perhaps you can start a stress journal. Ask yourself these questions.

• What caused my stress?
• When am I mostly stressed?
• How did I feel?
• Where can I go to stress less?
• Who can I ask for support?

Step 2: Practice stress management

• Avoid unnecessary stress and avoid stressful situations and learn to say no.
• Alter the situation, change the way you communicate, express yourself clearly.
• Adapt your thoughts, change your expectations and attitude.
• Accept the things you cannot change.

Step 3: Get moving

If you are studying for long periods of time, it is important to take regular breaks and work some exercise into your daily routine. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your concentration, motivation, memory and mood. Whatever type of exercise you like to do, whether it is a gentle walk or a high intensity run, it can all positively benefit your focus and attention, which is critical to study.

Step 4: Reach out to others

There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood, and to share daily highs and lows. It is critical to connect with others regularly whether it is in person or just over the phone. Keep in mind that the people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your stress, they simply need to be good listeners.

Step 5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Make sure you carve “me” time into your schedule. Self-care is a necessity. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stress. Do something you enjoy every day.

Step 6: Maintain balance in your diet

Make time to nourish your body with good food and hydrate regularly. Nutritious food plays a role in brain health and function and is linked to improved sleep quality, increased concentration, and better overall mental wellbeing.

Step 7:  Find your quick stress release button

What do you do to stress down? Whatever it is do more of it and stress down.

Want to register with CUC Parkes?

Contact your Centre Manager, Jacob Cass, at jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au.