Life in the city that never sleeps can be thrilling, but let’s be real—it’s not always a walk in Central Park. Between acing those exams for school, handling internship or work responsibilities, and maintaining some semblance of a social life, stress tends to build up over time and hit you when you least expect it. This is called “burnout” and if left unaddressed, it can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health. So, how do you avoid it?
We’ve got your back with these tried-and-true stress management tips tailored for preventing and overcoming the dreadful burnout from navigating the academic and professional jungle of New York City.
Identify Your Stress Triggers
First things first, let’s figure out what’s contributing the most amount of stress in your life. Whether it’s deadlines, the daily, monotonous grind, or the thought of another exam, understanding the root of your stress triggers is the first step to conquering them.
Take a Mindful Moment
In the midst of chaos, find a moment to breathe. Mindfulness and meditation might sound like buzzwords, but trust us, they work wonders and the effects are backed by science. A few minutes of mindful breathing and meditation can do wonders to ease that anxiety. Not sure where to start? The Calm app is great for guiding and assisting you in these mental exercises.
Master the Art of Time Management
Creating a schedule might not seem that glamorous, but effective time management is your secret weapon against burnout. Break down tasks, prioritize, and conquer that to-do list one step at a time. Utilize physical planners or helpful apps, like 2Do or ClickUp, to organize your life and get everything you need to remember or do out of your head until it’s time to take it on. You can also find more tips to managing your time here.
Unleash Your Creative Side
Stress-busting doesn’t always have to involve spreadsheets and to-do lists. Engage in creative activities like painting, adult coloring books, or just putting in headphones and listening to music and doing nothing else. It’s therapeutic and a fantastic way to avoid burnout by giving your mind a rest.
Break a Sweat
We don’t mean start training for a half-marathon right away. Exercise in any capacity will suffice. That’s because physical activity releases those feel-good endorphins, making stress diminish—not build up. Find what moves you, whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, hitting the gym, or some yoga in your living room. You won’t regret it.
Laugh It Off
They say laughter is the best medicine, and we couldn’t agree more. Dive into the world of comedy—find a funny movie, watch a stand-up show, or look up jokes and memes on the internet. Laughter truly is a great stress reliever.
Set Realistic Expectations
Superwoman is a great comic book character, but in real life, it’s okay not to be perfect. Set achievable goals, acknowledge your limits—know that it’s okay to say “no” to things, and ask for help when needed. Also, be sure to celebrate all of your small victories along the way.
Remember, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving in the city that demands the best. So, take these stress-reducing strategies, weave them into your daily routine, and own the concrete jungle like the fierce, fabulous person you are. You’ve got this!
