We’ve all been told about the negative results of stress, and most, if not all, of us have experienced situations that involved too much stress for one reason or another. Stress can be a good indicator of something being wrong.

Most of the time, it does more harm than good. Maybe you procrastinated on an assignment and think you’re done for, maybe you’ve been on your feet all day with another commitment later or maybe you’re worrying about messing up a presentation. These are all common factors that can trigger stress in your daily life. Here are some tips on how to avoid or relieve unnecessary stress.

Many of us have given in to procrastination and ended up having to complete an extended assignment in one sitting… the night before it’s due. The simple and easy answer to fix this problem is to not procrastinate, but that’s something that, for some, is much easier said than done.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this as well. You’ve heard it many times before, but plan ahead. Think about your free time and try dividing up the steps of completing your assignment by the free time you can devote to it. You can also ask your friends, professors, or advisor for additional help and advice.

Something else that can cause stress is poor dietary choices. Not only can the body itself suffer, but pushing it while in this condition certainly causes stress among other things. There are many sources you can visit on how to live healthier which you can find that can help you out here.

While it’s certainly good not be lazy, it’s also good not to be workaholic. Most people probably don’t have a full workaholic attitude, but it’s common for some people to completely book their schedule for the day. Even though life happens and a full day’s schedule may be required from time to time, it’s definitely not something that should be considered a normal part of someone’s life. Don’t be afraid to find time, even if it’s very brief, to physically and mentally rest.

Something I can tell you from experience is that being a perfectionist doesn’t help you in the long run. It may not seem like a problem at first, but before too long, you’ll be spending many frustrating hours trying to perfect something that doesn’t need to be perfected. So you mispronounced one word during your presentation. The class won’t mock you for that. It’s good to do the best you can, but never lose sight of the reality that you’re not going to do it perfectly.

Like I said, stress can be good for noticing and handling problems as they appear, but there comes a point when stress will do nothing but wreak havoc on you. If you ever feel too stressed, find something relaxing to do. Hang out with friends, go for a walk, listen to music, anything that gets you feeling calm and ready to tackle any challenge.

When it comes to stress, like many other things in life, moderation is key.