The do's and dont's of managing stress: What every student should know

Short, stubby nails and dark circles under my eyes are effects during and after every stressful situation I encounter. "This will never end," I think. "Deadlines never go away and bills keep coming."I am only one of many students that experience stress.Having multiple exams on the same day and money issues stresses freshmen Maria Medrano, who is only one of almost 6,000 students who experience the same situation. Because taking an exam, paying bills, excelling in a career, and satisfying family members are issues that are always present, stress seems impossible to avoid.But it isn't. According to Melinda Smith, M.A., Ellen Jaffe-Gill, M.A., and Robert Segal, there are ways of reducing, preventing, and coping with stress. However, some effort is required from the individual.Although everyone has a unique way of dealing with stress, Smith, Jaffe-Gill, and Segal are not shy in pointing out the unhealthy ways: "smoking, drinking too much, overeating or under eating, zoning out for hours in front of the TV or computer, using pills or drugs to relax, sleeping too much, procrastinating, taking out your stress on others, and withdrawing from friends, family and activities." (www.helpguide.org)Instead of these easy escape routes, they suggest everyone keeps a stress journal and follow the four A's: "avoid, alter, adapt, or accept."1. Avoid unnecessary stress• Learn how to say "no"• Avoid people who stress you out• Take control of your environment• Avoid hot-button topics• Pare down your to-do list2. Alter the situation• Express your feelings instead of bottling them up.• Be willing to compromise• Be more assertive• Manage your time better3. Adapt to the stressor• Reframe problems• Look at the big picture• Adjust your standards• Focus on the positive4. Accept the things you can't change• Don't try to control the uncontrollable• Look for the upside• Share your feelings• Learn to forgiveHowever, if this seems inaccessible or complicated, another source that recently provided great advice on stress management is Rita Hernandez, a Counselor for the university.Mrs. Hernandez expressed the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, and sleeping patterns. "Attitude is everything! Positive internal dialogue or self talk is the key; talk to yourself as you would to those you truly care about," said Hernandez.To aid with stress management, the Counseling Department, located in the Student Center, is available for one-on-one 50 minute sessions. Appointments and walk-ins are accepted. "We also offer workshops on stress management, time management, and test-taking skills and are [currently] conducting a series of workshops we call Talking-Listening-Counseling (TLC)" added Hernandez.TLC is a program that will launch during the Spring semester and offer various topics: body image, healthy relationships, depression, MySpace/Facebook: What Not to Post, alcohol awareness, sex, and stress.When seeking quiet time, the Counseling Department also offers a relaxation room."This room includes a massage chair, soft music, and imagery, and students can schedule an appointment or just walk-in," said Hernandez. Other services students can take advantage of to reduce stress can be found in the Kinesiology & Wellness Recreational Center. They offer total body conditioning, yoga, spinning and abs and back classes. If these don't fit your schedule, their cardio machines, weight-room, and gym floor are available Mon.-Thurs. 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and Sat. from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.Because stress can easily enter your life, be sure to find the proper coping technique that works for you. Our campus has the resources to help, and they are there for everyone to use and enjoy, but most importantly, to help reduce stress.