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Introduction
Stress is inherent in our lives from the day we are born to the
day we die. Nowhere is stress more important than in the life of
college students. As stress in an integral part of our lives,
there is no way of escaping it. In essence, then, complete
freedom
Eustress
Distress
Sources Of Stress For College Students College students
are likely to experience stress in many ways. These potential
sources of stress are referred to as stressors. Some of these
stressors include the following:
After identifying potential stressor areas in your life, the next step is to listen to your body. Why? Perhaps one of the most important steps in managing stress is to recognize its presence before it can do you harm. When a car engine overheats or the oil or gas are low, an indicator light comes on signaling a malfunction. In the case of human beings, however, when they feel the early signals of stress, the majority are usually unaware of what is happening to them. Although these signals may vary somewhat from individual to individual, the following represent frequently experienced stress signals: Light headiness Dilated Pupils Muscle Tension in Neck and Shoulders Inability to sleep or waking up too early Fast and Shallow Breathing Heart Palpitations Queasy Stomach Clammy Cold Hands Weak Knees Excessive Sweating Some Digestive Problems Eating too Much Drinking too Much In addition to these signals, prolonged exposure to stress can result in feelings of anxiety and depression. These may be evidenced as restlessness, boredom, edginess and the inability to concentrate. If these and others signals or symptoms persist, you should seek the services of a qualified care-giver (e.g., a school counselor). For a more detailed listing and categorization of stressors, See The Basics of Stress. Some Stress Management Tips
College students can select from a
variety of strategies as to which technique or combination of
techniques will work the best for managing their stress. In many
cases, it involves trying various approaches and techniques
until one or a combinations of ones work the best. What follows
are some such techniques students can choose from. For more information
on stress management strategies, See
The Basics of Stress. Develop assertive behaviors Get an annual physical examination Avoid unnecessary competition Get a hobby Select your classes wisely Know your own reactions to stress Know what is stressful for you Find a quite place to study Exercise regularly Sleep regularly Relax and have some fun Laugh whenever you can Loosen up and don't take everything too seriously Manage your finances carefully Set realistic goals for yourself Set priorities for yourself Find someone you can talk to when times get a little rough Make weekly schedules and try staying with it as much as you can Plan ahead Learn to use your time wisely Avoid procrastination Give yourself ample time to study for exams When things don't seem to be working out, take a relaxing walk Find a relaxation strategy or strategies that work best for you Breath in slowly and exhale slowly Outline chapters and make notes before and during classes Have a dialogue with your professors, especially when your grades are falling Have confidence in yourself Other Resources
Stress is experienced by college students at different educational levels, but colleges can help reduce its destructive forms. There are explanations of why students perform badly under stress, such as ED284514 1985-00-00 [http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed284514.html]
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