Stress
Stress is your body’s natural way of responding to a real or perceived threat.
While stress can make you feel motivated, chronic stress can impact your mental and physical health. Explore the following tips and tools to help cope.
Start with the basics
It’s common for your sleep and eating habits to change when you’re stressed. So, a good place to start is to take care of your basic needs by prioritizing a regular sleep schedule and nourishing your body with nutritious meals.
Get to know how stress shows up for you
Common signs of stress include muscle tension, heightened emotions, or difficulty concentrating, signaling the need for more care. The more you understand how stress shows up for you, the better you’ll be at engaging coping strategies that meet your needs.
Acknowledge your feelings
Reactions to events vary from person to person. Some experience intense feelings while others experience nothing at all. Allow yourself to feel what you feel, and don’t judge your personal experience or the experience of others.
Express your emotions
Take time to express your stress. This could look like talking to a counselor, writing in a journal, recording a voice memo, moving your body, or talking to a trusted person. Laughing or crying are great ways to release emotions.
Speak kindly to yourself
Be mindful of how you talk to yourself. It can be tempting to engage in negative self-talk, but practicing self-compassion has been shown to reduce stress and increase resilience. Try talking to yourself like you would a friend or practice positive affirmations.
Create a routine of healthy activities
A common source of stress is feeling overloaded with responsibilities. Having a routine can help you manage your time. Build time each day for small acts of self-care, like taking a study break, connecting with friends, or going on a walk.
Make time for rest
Try self-soothing strategies like walking, meditating, breathing exercises, listening to music, or whatever you find helpful to decompress.
Move your body
When you experience stress, your muscles tense. Movement that releases tension can help you process difficult emotions. Try shaking out parts of your body, doing gentle stretches, self-massage, or other forms of mindful movement.
Recognize your limits
Remember that you may not be as efficient as usual, and you might need more time or help to complete tasks. It’s OK! We’re all human. Just plan accordingly, show yourself kindness, and ask for support when needed.
Sociopolitical Stress
Uncertain political times can also leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the future. These strategies can also help you cope with socio-political stress and uncertainty.
Seek community
Sharing your thoughts and experiences with others can strengthen relationships. Check in with your peers. Even when you don’t know the “right” thing to say, just being with others during difficult times can be powerful.
Limit your media intake
Social media can amplify stress by igniting strong emotions. If you feel distressed by the media, take breaks, set time limits, and be mindful to follow sources you know are reliable.
Connect with reputable resources
We are fortunate to have an office on campus dedicated to supporting our international community. Visit the
ISSO website for up-to-date and accurate information on policies affecting international students and their families.
Know that self and community care are connected
It can be tempting to prioritize activist work over your own self-care, but these two are interconnected. Taking time for yourself helps you show up as a kinder and more compassionate person to others, and can refuel your capacity for activism.