- Talk with someone who cares for you (e.g., friends, advisor, RA, family) about your stress and ask for extra support. Be as specific as you can about what helps.
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- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation makes stress much worse. Sleeping on a consistent schedule is very important.
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- Set realistic goals. Be flexible and patient if things do not go as planned.
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- Move your body. Physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety. Don’t plan to exercise more than an hour per day. Check out some activities at the CoRec (www.purdue.edu/recwell).
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- Maintain a sense of humor. Laughing is especially helpful when you feel stressed.
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- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other non-prescribed drugs. These may make anxiety and depression worse.
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- Do things you enjoy or that are meaningful to improve your mood (e.g., watch a comedy, listen to uplifting music, volunteer, go for a walk, etc.).
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- Keep a routine, such as attending classes, work, and social activities.
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- Talk with your advisor or professors to explore options for the rest of the semester.
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- Reduce stress by eliminating or reducing unnecessary obligations.
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- Live in the present. Think about what you need to do in the next hour or two.
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- Remind yourself that this distress is temporary and your feelings can change for the better.
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- Try not to make any major decisions or changes in your life while you are in a very distressed or emotional place.
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