Everyone gets stressed. This can be over anything whether it’s a school project, or a work assignment.

Stress can affect your mental and emotional health, leaving you in a state of distress. Say for example, falling behind and working late into the night, or just being fatigued over a large task. 

Your mental health is very important, so learning about the history of mental health is very important as well. The NYC iSchool collaborated with The National Museum of Mental Health Project on an exhibition meant to educate others on just that.

The science behind breaks is very interesting. The National Institutes of Health points out that short breaks may help our brain learn new skills. By taking breaks, the brain became less fatigued and better understood how something works and how to do it better. After taking breaks while practicing how to code, the study suggested rest strengthened memories of how to type the code and it was done more efficiently. The National Museum of Mental Health Project also explains why breaks are so important. 

Being stressed is a normal thing that everyone experiences. The thing to know is that it’s okay to take a break. If you feel stressed out, stop. Try and figure out the source of your stress because once you know the source, it will be easy to remove it from your life or add something to your routine that will help you relieve it in some way. Find people that you can relate to because being stressed is sadly a fact of life, but you can overcome it, if not completely, at least partially. For more information on how to deal with stress The National Museum of Mental Health Project is a great resource.

An anonymous student had this to say on the matter, “I have anger management issues. The ways I deal with stress may be familiar to some and unfamiliar to others. I deal with stress using a stress ball in my room and I also like to go into my room, close the door, turn off all the lights and lay in my bed in complete darkness and think about anything different or listen to music and close my eyes.”

Another anonymous student said, “Most of the time, to deal with stress, I read and listen to music in the dark. I also talk to my dog and snake. I also like to cook food for my family and give some to the neighbors if we have leftovers.”

According to the CDC, the best ways to deal with stress are to eat healthy, sleep, and take breaks. Other ways include deep breaths, stretches, and meditation. Most people will have their own ways that work for them to deal with their stress. 

A poll conducted by the Therapy Group of DC concluded the most common ways to relieve stress include watching television, listening to or making music, relaxing, and reading. Dealing with stress is important as the same poll concluded that common reactions to stress are feeling angry, nervous, depressed, or worried.

Doing things that make you feel accomplished can end up raising your productivity and making you want to complete your other goals. Spending time with friends and family can be an accomplishment on its own. Never be afraid to talk to someone when feeling stressed. Talking to someone helps them be able to help you.

If anyone tells you that you don’t have the right to feel stressed at times, maybe you should reconsider your relationship with them. People invalidating your rightful feelings are not the kind of people that you need to put yourself around,because not only will that stress you out in the long term, but it can also lead to further negatively affecting your mental health. When a person that you trust shows you that kind of negative side of them and you choose to keep them in your life regardless, you are only hurting yourself.

What you can do for others to make them less stressed is to promote a break-friendly environment. Creating a supportive environment helps people feel more comfortable while working. Incorporating short breaks into a work schedule or just being friendly can go a long way in terms of the people around you. You want to create a culture that prioritizes work life balance and mental well being. This can be through letting people step outside and take a minute to themselves, or just promoting a break time. 

Making others less stressed can be in any setting. Whether that be as an educator, a boss or a parent. But anyone can help promote a calmer environment for others, and that can go a long way.

When stressed, take a minute for yourself. It’s always important to know you. It is best to emphasize self care. Taking breaks is what helps you learn more about yourself. Breaks are an essential part of effective stress management. Sometimes taking breaks can feel like a burden when you’re busy but it is necessary to one’s mental health. Finding time for quick breaks can go a long way. Think about your feelings towards breaks and where there is room for improvement. It’s important to prioritize self-care. It is okay to ask for support from others. People should share their findings on the importance of taking breaks or join a community focused on self care.