Life gets stressful, especially when you’re learning something new, changing careers, or trying to keep everything on track. Whether you’re in the middle of one of our training programs or just trying to make ends meet, stress shows up. And if you’re not careful, it can slow you down.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let stress call the shots. You don’t need a perfect plan, you just need a few solid tools to help you push through the tough days.
Here are a few tried-and-true tips we’ve seen work for our students, staff, and community:
1. Make a Quick List of What You Can Control
When life feels chaotic, focus on what’s in your hands. You can’t always control what’s happening around you, but you can control things like:
- When you show up
- How you respond
- What you tackle first
Even checking off one small task can take a weight off your shoulders.
2. Take 5 to Reset, Even If You’re Busy
You don’t need an hour-long break to take a breather. Step outside. Stretch. Walk to the end of the block. Breathe in and count to four, then out for four. Just a few minutes can clear your head enough to keep going.
3. Talk It Out With Someone You Trust
Stress piles up when you keep it all in. You don’t have to make it a big deal. Just telling a friend, a mentor, or a classmate “I’m feeling overloaded” can take the edge off. You’d be surprised how many people will say, “Same here.”
4. Don’t Let Stress Sneak Up on You
If you know you’ve got a test coming up, a job interview, or a tough week ahead, don’t wait until the last minute. Planning ahead can reduce last-minute panic and give you time to think clearly.
5. Remember Why You Started
Stress can make you forget how far you’ve come. So take a second to remind yourself:
- What are you working toward?
- Who are you doing it for?
- What’s one thing you’ve already done that you’re proud of?
Sometimes the best motivation comes from remembering your own strength.
You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to keep going. Stress is real, but so is your ability to handle it. Around here, we believe in showing up, even on the hard days. And that’s exactly what you’re doing.
