We’ve all felt stressed at one point or another, maybe now more than ever with our fumbling economy and the end of the semester around the corner. So it’s about time Sir Phillip Frields, Esq. gave you some tips and tricks on how not to get yourself worked up when a final is giving you grey hair. Allow me to adjust my top hat.

Avoid people who stress you out
It’s most definitely easier said than done; however, it’s a trick easily added to the repertoire when you’re getting to a point where you can’t take it anymore. Instead of fighting, yelling, and breaking things when you have a disagreement with a significant other or maybe even a co-worker, hash it out by simply walking away. Give the moment some breathing room so you can both come back with cooler tongues at another time. Now, this isn’t to say that you can walk away from your boss when he’s chewing you out about not getting your column in on time, but that’s when you can do this next tip.

Be willing to compromise
Sure, another “easier said than done” tip here. Someone who is willing to not only take a step back and weigh in on how a situation is giving them grief can easier distinguish whether their particular stance is worth the hassle or if it would just be easier to smile and nod. Most importantly, remember that you’re still better off with what’s being given to you in a compromise, rather than the alternative of added crow’s feet to your eyes because of the squinting pressure of your stress level.

Focus on the positive
A wise man once said, “Accentuate the positive, hide the negative.” That man is former Extreme Championship Wrestling owner Paul Heyman. He that took a rinky-dink organization and got it televised syndication. He did this all by taking what could’ve been a significantly horrible situation, throwing stress at the wayside and doing what he does best. Focusing on the positive makes it easier to take in a deep breath and exhale all the stress out, without pulling hairs right alongside the breathing.

Share your feelings
I know, what a girly thing to say, right? It’s especially hypocritical since I’m a closet case with my emotions. Even Sir Phillip could learn a thing or two in opening up and letting others know that “hey, you’re really giving me a hard time about this.” It may become a much easier situation to handle once the people around you realize that you’re putting in a lot of effort in sharing your feelings and would prefer to not be the brunt of their jokes.