Stress Management

What is stress?

• Stress is a bodily reaction to physical, psychological, or emotional demands.
• Stress is a fact of life.
• Managed stress (viewing events as challenges) can be useful and healthy
• Unmanaged stress (viewing events as threats) can be distressful and unhealthy.

What are some of the causes of stress?

• Expectations we place on ourselves.
• Expectations of others.
• Our physical environment--noise, movement, weather, seasonal changes, etc.
• Our internal environment--dealing with academic pressure, frustration, lack of time, difficult decisions, social life, etc.

What are some symptoms of unmanaged stress?

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, feeling tense, irritable, fatigued, or depressed.
• Lack of interest and ability to concentrate, apathy.
• Avoidance behaviors: abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco.

What are some ways to manage stress effectively?

• Add balance to life; don't overdo studies or play.
• Know and accept what kind of person you are: strengths and weaknesses.
• Get a thorough physical exam.
• Take "time outs," especially during study.
• Exercise regularly.
• Breathe deeply.
• Walk loosely and walk more.
• Learn and practice relaxation skills.
• Study each academic subject regularly for moderate periods of time.
• Discuss problems with friends, family, counselor, professor, or dean.