Chill out

Students find methods to reduce stress

By KIRSTEN TATE
UNIVERSITY JOURNAL

All students know that trying to balance school, work and a social life is a one of the major causes of stress.
(Stress) is common in students, of course, said Curtis Hill, Wellness Center counselor. It would be a rare and strange student without stress.
He said some of the biggest causes of stress he has seen are relationships with family and friends.
According to the Web site www.lifepositive.com, there are innumerable factors contributing to stress, and individuals react differently to the same stress conditions.
The brain reacts the same way to both real and perceived conditions; it doesn’t differentiate between real or imagined stress.
It could happen while watching a horror movie or during some imminent danger, the Web site reported.
A large amount of stress symptoms can be avoided by the way people relate to stressors because what people think rather than what actually happened is what causes stress.
Major life events such as divorce, death, financial worries, work and dealing with difficult family members can act as potential stressors, Life Positive reported.
If stress factors continue for an extended period of time, health problems can result.
Hill said when the body is under stress for a great amount of time it will not function at its best.
There is a greater risk of illness, and anything we have a tendency for weakness in, that is most likely to be affected, he said.
Some immediate symptoms of stress are dizzy spells, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness and muscle cramps, the Web site reported.
Over a prolonged period, immune system, cardiovascular and nervous system problems can result.
In certain individuals, stress does contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors such as addictions and obesity, the Web site reported.
Attacks of flu, pneumonia and common cold are directly related to stress, Life Positive reported.
Dealing with stress is important in preventing health problems.
Hill said in the short-term yoga, deep muscle relaxation and deep-breathing exercises are some ways to reduce stress symptoms.
Most students don’t get the eight to nine hours of sleep per night needed to function properly. By eating well and exercising consistently students can also help maintain good health, he said.
Some students get rid of stress by playing sports.

Cassandra Nannie, a senior communication major from Frederick, Md. relaxes at home in the tub. There are inumerable factors contributing to stress, and individuals react differently to the same stress conditions. Students use different approaches to battle stress including sleeping, reading and excercising.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANNE McCONNELL / UNIVERSITY JOURNAL

Basketball is the sport of choice for Ben Matthews, a junior information systems major from Panguitch. He said he also enjoys riding his motorcycle and playing the drums.
Taylor Edwards, a sophomore communication major from Riverton, said he goes to the golf course and plays a round of golf whenever he feels too stressed out.
To reduce stress in the long-term, Hill said it is critical to listen to know what the body is saying in order to deal with the problem.If you have a hard time concentrating, are sick a lot, are forgetful, have muscle tightness or get stress headaches, listen to yourself and determine what you need to do to fix it, Hill said.
Taking an inventory of one’s own values and things that are important is necessary.
Making a record of where time is spent and where priorities lie can be helpful in determining if people are spending time and effort in the areas that are most important to them, Hill said.
Try to look at the inconsistencies, then try to resolve it; it often has a big effect, Hill said.
A stress management group has been set up at SUU in the Wellness Center every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Hill said students are encouraged to attend to learn techniques on how to deal with stress.
He said people commonly don’t get help because they think they have to do all of the things that they do, but they don’t.
Time management is an effective method of reducing stress, according to information found at the Wellness Center. It is also important to establish realistic and achievable goals.
Another effective way to reduce stress is to put the situation in proper perspective. One should ask him- or herself, What is the worst that could happen? Usually the worst isn’t as bad as it seemed at first.