Stress

Stress is AMERICA’S #1 HEALTH PROBLEM, according to the American Institute of Stress.  Stress is created by our physical and emotional reactions to the changes occurring in our lives and environment.  Persistent psychological stress affects all parts of our life and health, and we feel the physical results of it, too. Stress can be motivating, but too much of it is overwhelming! 

"It's not what happens to you that matters, but how you take it".  -Hans Selye

Stress Effects:

  • EUSTRESS—positive stress that motivates us to get things done and that leads to an overall good feeling of accomplishment (studying, meeting deadlines, and finishing homework).
  • DISTRESS—negative stress that overwhelms our ability to deal with everything on our plate!
  • WE KNOW WE ARE STRESSED WHEN WE EXPERIENCE: tense muscles, headaches, problems sleeping, getting sick a lot, feeling irritable and anxious, being forgetful, a lack of motivation or concentration

Coping with Stress:

  • Change the way you think to be more positive—it’s not the stressor that stresses you out, it’s how you think about that stressor… by changing the negative automatic thoughts in your head to more positive thoughts your mood and behavior can quickly be lifted! 
  • Breathing exercises are a quick and easy way to clear your mind, release tension in your body, and help you to feel relaxed at any time. 
  • TRY THIS:  3 Minutes to Stress Relief—1) Sit upright in a comfortable position 2) Focus on your present state, block intrusive thoughts 3) Pay attention to your breathing : (a) take a deep breathe in through your nose (b) exhale through your mouth lasting twice as long as your inhale (c) continue for 2-5 minutes. 
  • Cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes burns built up stress hormones in the body.
  • What do you enjoy doing that is fun and makes you feel good?  This could be your very own, personalized stress relief technique… for example taking a walk, playing cards, cleaning your room, dancing, calling your mom, painting/drawing, or journaling to mention a few.
  • Talking about things that are stressful for you can be very comforting. Find a friend who is supportive and let them know some of your worries.
  • We tend to be our own harshest critic-Instead of beating yourself up about your perceived ‘failures’, see yourself as having human flaws, as we all do. Try to be compassionate with yourself, as you would be with a friend who is having problems.

Tools of the Trade:

  • Time Management—can go a long way to help reducing your stress and avoiding procrastination!
  • Make a list of tasks to be completed with dates or use a calendar.
  • Schedule your tasks by priority and length of time each task will take into time slots (like appointments).
  • Complete your schedule at the beginning of every month and week so that you are prepared for each assignment and important date.
  • Make sure to schedule in your RELAXATION TIME.  You will burn out quickly with consistent back to back tasks.
  • Label each task as FLEXIBLE or PERMANENT so with short notice you know which tasks can be changed. 
  • Is your schedule reasonable?  Make sure that your tasks are attainable.
  • Set boundaries and learn to say NO.  You know what your limits are, try not to overwhelm yourself.

Steer Clear:

  • Negative ways to deal with stress can work for you in the short term, but in the long term they create more problems than they resolve!
  • Stay away from alcohol and drugs when you are stressed, these can only mask the problem instead of resolving it.
  • Avoiding the problem, by procrastinating, over eating, or shopping, will create more tension than dealing with it head on.

If you need more help managing your stress, check out these resources:

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STRESS AND ITS EFFECTS? WANT TO HELP YOUR FRIENDS DEAL WITH STRESS RELATED ISSUES? WANT TO SPREAD AWARENESS REGARDING STRESS?

Check out Stress Quick Facts

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