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Stress

Stress

Every college student has encountered stress at some degree. Without the extra burst of adrenaline, we sometimes feel that we can't get important things completed...deadlines, finals, papers... etc. Positive stress is a temporary physiological and psychological tensing that subsides after the danger or deadline has been successfully met. If you cannot return to a relaxed state after the challenge has been met, then you may be a victim of chronic, negative stress.

What are the signs of stress?

  • Problems making decisions, increased procrastination
  • Inability to concentrate or pay attention
  • Persisent hostile feelings, increases frustration with minor annoyances
  • Frequent colds or infections
  • Inability to get organized
  • Problems eating or sleeping
  • Nightmares
  • Increased boredom and fatique
  • Frequent indigestion, diarrhea, or urination

If these signs seem familiar, you may want to investigate individual or group counseling. If a friend is showing the signs of stress, help them out in whatever way that you can. Sometimes the only thing that they realy need is a sympathetic ear.

What are some ways to combat stress?

  • Choose your own stress level. Strive for excellence within your own limits.
  • Live in the present. Learn from the past and move on.
  • Anticipate potentially stressful situations and prepare for them. Rehearse what you will say and do in the situation.
  • Keep your expectations realistic. Don't expect perfection from yourself and others.
  • Accept what you cannot change. If a problem is beyond your control, just make the best of it and focus on something else.
  • Take care of your health. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of sleep.

There are 2 locations on campus that will provide students with the help they may need to cope with stress. Please visit the University Counseling Center in the Clark building in room C-36, or make an appointment with a health care provider at Hartshorn Health Services at 491-7121.

Information for this hot topic was adapted from a Channing L. Bete Company booklet.