Know the Signs of StressStress that can have a profound impact on college students’ well-being. It is critical to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of too much stress.
Physical symptoms:* Increased frequency of headaches.
* Recurring colds and minor illness.
* Frequent muscle aches and/or tightness
* Fatigue
Emotional symptoms:
* Increased levels of frustration and anger.
* Being more irritable or disorganized than usual.* Greater sense of persistent time pressure.
* Increased difficulty in getting things done.
* Feelings of hopelessness in coping with life
Such feelings can extremely dangerous as
students may turn to unhealthy choices to cope including alcohol or drug abuse, or worse.
What’s more, as a person becomes stressed more and more frequently, it could cause long-term health problems, including heart problems, high blood pressure, chronic pain, skin problems. There is even some evidence that chronic stress may lead to diabetes in certain people.
Help! I’m Stressed!
What can you do if you’re feeling stressed? A few suggestions from the University of Texas at Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center include:
* Take a deep breath!* Get in touch. Hug someone, hold
hands,stroke a pet. Physical contact is a
great way to relieve stress.
* Talk it out.
* Get at least 7 hours of sleep nightly
* Spend time each day with at least
one relaxation technique –
imagery,daydreaming, prayer, yoga, etc…
* Go for a walk.
* Take care of your body with exercise and proper nutrition.
* Laugh.
* Know your limits.
* Have a good cry.
* Avoid self-medicating with
alcohol or drugs.
* Look for the positive in your
situation and in life.
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