Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on college life. Let's face it; you've got a lot to juggle: course assignments, exams, work, finances, relationships, and family. Too much stress - or not being able to adapt to stressful situations - can make you sick, unhappy and unproductive.
The news gets worse: Stress worsens other illnesses. It can heighten your response to pain; trigger asthma attacks; and increase gastrointestinal stomach problems.
I always feel this way. Am I stressed? Here are some of the signs.
- Headaches
- Grinding teeth
- Clenched jaws
- Pounding heart
- Muscle aches
- Cold, sweaty hands
- Increase perspiration
- Freqeunt illness
You don't have to be a slave to stress. Here's what to do.
- Communicate! Share your feelings with others who can provide emotional support.
- Be physically active and eat right! Exercise can help you develop and maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit, while a healthy diet can give you necessary nutrition and energy.
- Sleep (at least seven hours) is essential to health, well-being and effectiveness.
- Learn and use basic time management skills to maintain a healthy life balance (between work and play).
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, listening to music, or reading something enjoyable.
- Participate in a hobby or other interest, apart from your academic work.
- Avoid strategies that are counterproductive, such as tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, or binge eating, which can lead to other problems and more stress later.
- Talk with someone in the Counseling Center or other professional.
The Counseling Center offers individual counseling, group sessions, workshops about stress management and other topics of interest to college students. The Campus Recreation Center is also a great place to "work off" some stress as well!