Think of your life like it is a bucket. You fill it up with activities (positive and negative) and at some point you reach capacity---your bucket is full. There’s no way to add anything else without the bucket overflowing. So, when life demands that you add one more thing to the bucket, you can feel really overwhelmed---or in other words stressed---and it can be difficult to keep things from spilling out.
So, what typically gets tossed out of your bucket when life demands more? For most people, taking care of themselves and their needs is the first thing that goes. However, when you are stressed, it is precisely the time to give yourself a little attention, be kind to yourself, and give yourself a break, even if it is in small ways. So, how can you give back to yourself when your bucket is overflowing or is about to overflow? Below you will find a list of basic tools to help you cope more effectively with stress when it comes up.
So, what typically gets tossed out of your bucket when life demands more? For most people, taking care of themselves and their needs is the first thing that goes. However, when you are stressed, it is precisely the time to give yourself a little attention, be kind to yourself, and give yourself a break, even if it is in small ways. So, how can you give back to yourself when your bucket is overflowing or is about to overflow? Below you will find a list of basic tools to help you cope more effectively with stress when it comes up.
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Where is my stress coming from?
Different activities and life events cause people to feel stress. Most people think of stress as coming only from negative experiences, such as problems at home or school. But stress can also come from positive experiences, such as joining a club or starting a new internship.
Check out this article to learn more about the many causes of stress in college. |
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Consequences of Stress on Your Mind & Body
Your body is designed to kick into action (e.g., increase your heart rate, fuel your body, focus your attention) so that you can effectively manage the challenges that come your way. But, stress can become problematic when...
Check out this article to learn about the many ways stress affects your mind & body. |
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How do you know you are stressed?
There are many signs and signals of stress. Some of these symptoms are physical and others are psychological. If you are like many people, they ignore these symptoms until they build up and become overwhelming.
Recognizing the early signs and signals that you are becoming stressed can help you to pause and take a moment to consider how to better handle whatever is going on. Check out this article to identify your early warning signs of stress. |
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Coping With Stress When
It Has Already Arrived When you are stressed, it is precisely the time to give yourself a little attention, be kind to yourself, and give yourself a break, even if it is in small ways.
Check out our toolbox of strategies to help you cope more effectively with stress when it comes up. Then identify what strategies you want to add to your own personal toolbox from this menu of options. |
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Finding Your A-team
Everyone needs support to manage life's challenges. Who are the people that have been the sources of strength and support along the way? Your team of supporters can help remind you of your strengths, especially when you are having a hard time remembering them They can also join forces with you to overcome the challenges you are facing.
Who would be most helpful for the current challenges you are facing? Check out this article to help you identify members of your A-team and better communicate what they can do to support you. |
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Reducing "Less Healthy" Coping Strategies
People react to their stress in all kinds of ways. Some of these strategies are healthier than others. “Less healthy” strategies may feel good in the moment, but these strategies can actually backfire by increasing your stress in the short term AND negatively affecting your health in the long run.
Check out this article to understand how some strategies that you might use (e.g., comfort eating, substance use) can unintentionally actually increase your stress. |
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