Welcome to the mid-semester crunch. Somehow the exams and assignments that seemed so far away are already here. On top of classes, maybe a relationship has begun to sour. Or, perhaps the living situation with your best friends is not as carefree as you thought it would be.
Stress. It's so much a part of our lives that it is easy to accept it as a "normal" way of being. Even positive life events can be stressful. It can be hard to make yourself go to class or work on a project when it would be oh-so-fun to spend time with a new romantic interest or get ready for that exciting trip you have planned. The work gets ignored, piles up, and before you know it, you are pulling yet another all-nighter.
Chronic stress can lead to problems with your health and mental well being. Symptoms of stress can include forgetfulness, trouble sleeping, changes in weight or appetite, irritability, or even ulcers. Stress management requires intervention at two levels: addressing the source of the stress and taking care of yourself.
Identify the source of stress. What is it about the situation that is creating the stress and, more importantly, what can you do about it? Can you break a class project into smaller steps? It can also be helpful to talk to the professor about your difficulties. If it is a relationship that is a source of stress, could it help to talk to that person?
Are there campus resources that could be of help? The University Learning Center, Career Services, LGBTA Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Counseling and Psychological Services and Office for Disability Services are just a few of the many services here for you.
When you are really stirred up, give your mind and emotions a break by doing something else. Think about how you can put that energy toward doing something about your situation.
Talk to someone. Friends and family can offer an objective perspective or help you think of alternative interventions that you may have overlooked. They can also offer a lift by reminding you of your strengths.
Talk to yourself -- nicely. Start listening to what you say to yourself. So-called "self-talk" is so automatic we are often not aware of it. After you learn that you did poorly in a test, do you tell yourself, "I'm such a loser"? Practice realistic and supportive self-talk.
Take care of your body. Don't underestimate the boost your system will get from a healthy diet and regular exercise. Exercise helps to work off tension while simultaneously helping you feel stronger and more capable of dealing with stress. When it comes to fuel for your body, try to minimize eating on the run or fast food meals. Last, while a few drinks may seem to help with your stress, overindulgence with alcohol may compound the stress you were trying to relax from in the first place.
There is no quick fix to stress management. It takes a continued effort to incorporate the above measures. The time you don't think you have for regular exercise or to talk to someone will pay for itself by freeing up your energy.
Starting to implement some of these ideas will help you to be in good shape by the time finals roll around. If you need to talk with someone about how to handle stress, call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 814-863-0395.
