Stress is a part of life, but the healthier you are the better able you can manage stress when it happens. Stress awareness can provide with energy when it comes to preventing stress, just like eating a good meal can give you the energy you need it the most. The following are some winning strategies to help you to prepare for living in a stressful environment.

A Good Attitude: “Attitude is everything.” What does that mean? The way you think about things can make a big difference in how you react to events.

Healthy Eating: Good nutrition and healthy eating habits can help you through your stressful times now, not just prevent a heart attack down the road. Eating well will increase your physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Fueling yourself with nutrient-dense foods can boost your immune system and help you feel better about yourself.

Physical Activity: Physical activity provides immediate stress relief as well as long-term stress management. Just 20-30 minutes of walking a day can give you more energy, help you put things in perspective, improve your sleep, sharpen your mental productivity, and boost your self-confidence. Our bodies are made to move, and we all need enjoyable activities.

Relaxing Your Mind and Body: Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, can help to manage stress. This can also improve your concentration and sense of well-being.

Sleep: Consistent sleep is critical for a healthy life. If you do not get enough sleep, everything from your immune system to your ability to learn is affected.

Healthy Relationships: Changes in relationships and feeling socially isolated can be a source of stress. Talking with a supportive friend or family member can be helpful in improving relationships and coping with stress.

Time Management: Sometimes all the things you have to do can seem overwhelming and impossible to accomplish. Learning how to be a good time manager is a skill which can make work, play and studying more manageable, more productive and less stressful.

Alcohol and Other Drugs: Alcohol and other drug use can lead to many problems that can add stress to your life. High use can lead to poor decision-making, impaired abstract thinking, injury and legal problems. By understanding risks, you can make healthier choices.

Tobacco: Tobacco use can impact your sleep, ability to fight infection and overall health. In order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, it is important to learn strategies to deal with stressors and to understand that quitting a any habit usually takes time and practice.

Money Management: Finances are a common stressor for college students. Contact a financial advisor or a financial planner for assistance.

Spirituality: Spirituality means finding meaning in your life; it doesn’t mean just following a particular religious group. This can provide a release in a stressful environment.