Feeling Stressed? Don't get depressed! Here are 10 tips to help get you rest.

With Fall semester ending and the new Spring semester starting in a few weeks we thought it would be a good time to look back and see what goals can be set for the new year. School can be stressful and we completely understand! But just because it can be stressful doesn't mean it should stop you from enjoying your time here at UVU.

Our friends at the University of New Hampshire** give 10 simple tips to help reduce stress

1. Limit Self Judgement
• Talk kindly to yourself. Reversing negative ideas and focusing on positive outcomes can help you to reduce tension and achieve goals.
2. Get help from others
• Having a support network helps us feel understood, capable and nurtured.Sometimes just expressing your feelings helps lower your stress. Don't be afraid to ask your professors for help!
3. Express your feelings
• If you can't discuss your feelings with your support network, express them some other way. Write in a journal, write a poem, or compose a letter that is never mailed.
4. Work to reduce or manage the impact of major stressors in your life
• Identify sources of stress. Note activities that put a strain on energy and time, trigger anger or anxiety, or precipitate a negative physical response. This can help you either avoid or lead you to find the campus resources to help you.  
5. Do one thing at a time
• When working, focus on one thing at a time. Doing more than one thing at a time may seem like it should be faster, but in reality decreases productivity. Make a prioritized list and only start the next item when the one before is complete. 
6. know and accept your limits 
• Are you taking a full course load, working part-time and involved in a lot of activities? Learning to say no is an important part of reducing stress and will help you focus on what's really important. 
7. Learn and practice relaxation techniques
• Relaxation is the body's antidote for the stress response. There are plenty of techniques out there, find which one best suits you!
8. Know that good nutrition and exercise are your friends
• General health and stress resistance can be enhanced by regular exercise, a diet rich in a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and by avoiding excessive alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. 
• You can find more information about health tips at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/
9. Get a good night's sleep
• We need sleep to think clearly, react quickly and create memories. It is well documented that students who regularly get a good night's sleep perform significantly better than sleep-deprived students. So be sure to plan ahead and study for a test earlier than the night before, you'll do much better!
10. Make it a priority to do something low pressure and enjoyable
• Focusing in your school work is important. But it's equally important to have fun! Be sure to make time for things you enjoy: crafts, music, going out with friends, reading a good book (other than your textbook) or even take a walk around the block. Having a deadline for a paper may seem like you aren't allowed to take a break but taking the time to relax can bring you back to having a clear mind and a determined attitude. 

If you're looking to take a class at UVU to help manage your stress look no further than

SLSS 1100- Stress Management/Hardiness
Presents strategies to develop new attitudes for coping with stressful circumstances. Increases a broader perspective and deeper understanding of acute and chronic stress. Develops conflict resolution techniques through improved communication skills. Studies physiological signs of stress and strain. Emphasizes relaxation techniques to increase performance and reduce the effects of stressful situations. Presents how diet affects personal performance and stress reduction. Explores physical fitness and the effects a sound body can have on coping with stress.

Remember if you feel a little overwhelmed you're not alone! There are plenty of resources on campus to help make your college experience as painless as possible. If you are unsure of the resources meet with your academic advisor!

**Original UNH Article