Stress
Stress can be positive or negative-sometimes it is the thing that motivates us to get a job done or to endure in a tough situation and at other times, it makes us feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. If we don’t manage our stress, it can have negative effects on our daily lives, including physiological effects. For college students, who manage multiple priorities, it is important to learn how to manage stress as well.
Quick Facts:
- Stress can affect people physically in a variety of ways, including headaches, sleep disturbances, upset stomach, and fatigue.
- Emotionally, stress can make people depressed, anxious, irritable, and unable to concentrate.
- Stress often manifests itself in a student’s life because they are feeling overwhelmed-like it is impossible to balance their academic, social, and personal priorities.
What You Can Do:
- Ask for help when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Being stressed is not a badge of honor, nor is it something to be ashamed of-we all feel overwhelmed at some point in our lives, and asking for assistance can make it easier to get through.
- Try writing down all of the things that are priorities for you. Can you rank them in order of importance? Are there some things you can get rid of, either temporarily or permanently?
- Make time for relaxation. Try to block off time in your schedule for things you enjoy. Tell yourself, “For every two hours of studying, I will reward myself with an hour off to do something fun.”
Need more information? Check out these helpful resources:
The National Institute of Mental Health
Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection
