FEATURE WRITING CLASS : How-tO feature

HOW TO HAVE GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

 by: Maelette O. Masbate

            Thesis. Internship. Projects. Personal Stuff. Family Matters. Social Life…

            What more could the fourth year college students ask for? Indeed the life of a senior in College requires not just his or her dedication but it also demands ones ample time and attention. With all these busy schedules and countless deadlines it is inevitable for us, soon-to-be graduates, to feel the pressure and experience stress. However we have to bear in mind that no matter how demanding and assiduous our undertakings could get at times, we have to remain on top and in control of our life. That is why I have decided to write this article so we may be reminded to still have the grace despite being under a massive pressure.

            Before giving you some tips, let us first define the word stress. What does stress mean? According to one of the definitions given by Dictionary.com stress is a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.

            We also have two kinds of stress as stated by “Steven and Chris” on their CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) show. According to them there are two kinds of stress, they are the GOOD stress and the BAD stress. GOOD STRESS is a motivator. It keeps you alert and focused. An example of which includes getting a job promotion and purchasing your first home. BAD STRESS on the other hand is harmful to your body and mind. A few of its examples are work pressures, challenging conflicts and job loss.

            “Steven and Chris” also mentioned some warning signs of stress in physiological aspect, mood and other stuff. As what they have stated on their CBC website, a person who happens to experienced stress will have sore muscles, trouble sleeping, sweaty palms and fast heart rate. They would also feel anxious, snappy and detached from the world. Lastly that person will have poor quality of work, lack of focus, and will have the tendency to forget.

            Before we all get piled-up with all these laborious matters on stress let me now give you some tips on how to handle stress. The first five tips are as what Steven and Chris have stated on their page on the CBC website and the remaining tips are given by yours truly and by some of my fellow graduating students as well.

Get the Blood Pumping. Exercise transforms that same energy that’s normally wasted by worrying or fighting, into something valuable. Do some jumping jacks, go for a jog, jump rope, or just do some push-ups.

Healthy Comfort Foods. Food is fuel. What we put in our mouth is converted to energy. The better quality the food, the better you will feel. So choose healthy comfort foods instead of fatty or carb-heavy junk. For example: fruits instead of sweets; salads and grilled instead of greasy options; non-caffeinated teas instead of coffee or sugary drinks.

Sing Loud and Proud. Blast your favorite song and sing at the top of your lungs. Even if you sound like a squealing chipmunk, it will release tension and pressure.

Indulge In Pure Silence. Take ten minutes a day to sit in complete silence. You may be itching to get up after three minutes but force yourself to sit still in peace and quiet for a little while. It may be a challenge, but you will begin to feel peace if you are open to it.

Create an Adventure. Do something out of the ordinary. Perhaps it is something you have always wanted to do but never made the time for. Just do it!

Use Time Sensibly. Whenever you have the time to do and or finish your task, do it! Do not linger around and waste your time doing unproductive stuff. Avoid being the “I’ll-be-doing-it-in-a-while” kind of person. Remember: A lost time is never found again.

Anticipate Your Needs. Be prepared! Try to have the initiative in identifying your needed resources that would aid you in accomplishing your task. In that way you will be able to avoid repeating the same job over and over again.

Don’t Forget to Smile. Aside from having a wrinkle-free face, smiling also helps you lighten-up your heart. As what George Eliot, the English Novelist said, “Wear a smile and have a friend; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?”

Look at Problems as a Challenge. As what Lala, a fourth year Masscom student explained, “Do not be instantly distress if ever you are faced with all these shortcomings. Try to view and take your problems as challenges instead. If you set your mind that way, you will be more motivated to face your problems and you will be more eager to work it out as well.”

Believe in What You Can Do. What better way to finish your task on time than to believe in our capability to do it! Thea, a senior Masscom student shared, “Trusting yourself to do your job well and believing in ones self to perform a task accordingly will surely help you ease out effortlessly from your work.”

Learn to Set Your Priorities. According to Jumar, a fifth-year Industrial Engineering working student and at the same time a candidate for an upcoming male pageant, “You have to know how to set priorities in your life. You have to know for yourself on what makes you feel happy and satisfied. In that way, you will be able to decide for yourself on which area are you going to spend most of your time and attention.”

Learn to Say No. Maybe you are loaded-up with work because you don’t know how to say no! You may feel that you are too selfish and inconsiderate if you are going to decline someone who is asking something from you, but I believe you are not. That is just what we called, self-preservation! You must also learn to put your self first once in a while, that wouldn’t hurt you, would it? –Emz, fourth year student from USC.

Have Someone to Inspire You. Working your minds out every day can really make you all worn out as the day ends; but if you have someone or something that inspires you to religiously finish what you’ve started then it would certainly make your work less laborious and who knows, it can even make a difference. –Net, 4^th year Chem. E. student from USC.

Never Be Afraid To Ask For Help. If you feel like you don’t know how to do a certain thing, or you think like you need some assistance, never hesitate to ask for one. It wouldn’t make you look so incompetent or helpless if you’re going to ask for help from others. We must realize and accept the fact that all of us have limitations and it is but normal to call on for help sometimes.

Don’t Try to Know All the Answers. You don’t hold the answers to all life’s mystery so don’t pressure your self too much in trying to find them either. Life itself is already intricate so avoid making it more complicated by trying too hard about everything.

I believe we are now all geared-up and ready to win our fight against our number one enemy, stress. Well handling stress might sound so far-fetched and strenuous, but with those given tips, I guess it would now be much easier to fight all those bad stress away. Fighting!

xoxo,


Mae =)