Reduce your stress in 20 minutes or less.

The time has come for work overload. Teachers have grades due and that means here come the exams, project deadlines, essays, and so on. The question is, how do you recognize and manage your stress while you are short on time? Look at the chart from help guide.org to first check for symptoms of stress.

I then recommend using PIES (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social) as an easy way to do a total self-check of your well-being. In times like these, if you are not careful, you will throw yourself into fight or flight mode. That serves a purpose when you are in real, immediate danger.  If you stay in that mode when not in danger, there can be negative health ramifications. Look at the chart below.
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From now until the end of term, I recommend using this chart to document the ways you are practicing self-care. If you notice that you've let one aspect of your health go, get back on track or you will find the other parts of your health will likely be affected. This is not the time to fall apart.

Because time is a factor at this time of year, I'm going to provide you with ways in which you can look after your physical, intellectual, emotional, and social health in 20 minutes or less

Physical -> Try a 7-minute workout, take the long way to class to sneak in extra steps, try breathing exercises, take a power nap, walk/run to a quiet place and soak in nature

Intellectual -> Practice mindfulness play a brain training game, practice your new language skills with foreign students, listen to nature and do a visualization

Free Mindfulness Apps

9 brain sharpening apps

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E​motional -> Send a message of gratitude to someone deserving, give out some hugs, buy the person behind you in line a little treat, play with your pets if they are near, watch one episode of your favorite series

Social -> Study with a group of friends taking the same course, agree to meet for laughs during study breaks, get in touch with supportive friends or family and tell them what's going well, share some funny clips with friends.

The finish line is in sight.  Take good care of yourself and look after your friends, Sharon

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