As many students are aware stress is unavoidable. Many people suffer from stress due to a variety of reasons.

Some stress inducers could be school, home life, work, money, relationship problems or even just an overload of work without proper time management.

If a person over stresses there could be short or long term effect. Stress can affect the body, the mind and those around us. Some people lack the skills necessary to interact socially because they are moody and irritable.

Others may experience extreme physical ailments, which differ from person to person and range from mild to severe.

If the stress is severe it can make a person physically sick. Some short-term symptoms of stress include headache, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, upset stomach and irritability.

Long-term side effects are depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome or cause the development of an arrhythmia.

Stress is sometimes unavoidable because the events that happen in everyday life are uncontrollable; however there are some things that can be done in order to minimize the stress levels a person feels.

First of all, don’t overload yourself with too much work. Don’t take on too many tasks at once and concentrate on one thing at a time then move to the next thing.

Set up tasks in categories and in order of importance so that when the time comes to finish and things go undone it is not wreaking havoc over a persons thoughts and life.

Second, don’t wait until the last minute to get things done. Whether it’s an assignment that is due or a goal that needs to be reached. Get a head start and manage time wisely. Overall, staying healthy is the best defense against stress. It is important to get enough sleep, while you sleep your body recovers from the worries of the day and rejuvenates your mind to start a new day. Exercise is another great way to maintain a low stress level.

Exercising releases endorphins, which is a brain neurotransmitter that sends electrical signals through the nervous system.

With high endorphin levels being sent, it allows for a modulation of pain and lowers the effects of stress on the body.

So whether it’s a twenty-minute walk or a prolonged intense workout, exercise is proven to be an extremely effective way to relieve stress.

Most importantly the best way to let out stress, is to do something you enjoy whether it is taking up a hobby such as gardening, writing, arts and crafts or joining a sports team.

Stress management starts with a single step, can be free and takes up very little time.

Do something enjoyable, write down your thoughts or talk to someone you trust.

There are many different and effective ways to relieve stress. The government has many free programs to aid those in need.

Rio Hondo has a psychologist on campus that is free for students and there is also a stress club on campus.

No matter which outlet is suitable one of the manyfor your needs, there are options out there and stress relief starts with a single step.