Stress

Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging situations, causing muscles to tense and the mind to be more alert. The burst of adrenaline gives you energy to meet your goals. However, if stress does not subside and continues to upset your daily life, the effects can be serious. You may experience issues, including:

  • problems eating or sleeping
  • headaches
  • neck aches
  • backaches
  • increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs
  • upset stomach
  • fatigue
  • poor concentration
  • nightmares
  • frustration

Stress affects many bodily functions, especially your immune system. Excessive stress is believed to be a factor in illnesses ranging from colds and flu to heart disease.

Methods to reduce stress

  • Set realistic goals (long-term and short-term) and reward yourself on the way to reaching these goals.
  • Find a healthy mode for release (e.g., exercising, writing in a journal, and talking to friends).
  • Learn relaxation techniques (e.g., stress reduction audio guides).
  • Make a to-do list: plan activities by priority and consolidate similar tasks, trips, and errands. Focus on one item from your list at a time.
  • Schedule for interruptions. Allow about 10 minutes per hour for unplanned interruptions.
  • Eliminate clutter from your day. Unsubscribe from listservs that fill your inbox and throw away mail you don’t need to read.
  • Schedule breaks. This will give you something to look forward to as you work, helping you be more productive in the long run.
  • Stay healthy: get enough sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced diet.
  • Think positively! An optimistic view of the future will help you stay relaxed now. In fact, smiling is linked to good health and longer life.
  • Don’t dwell on the past. Learn from mistakes and move on.
  • Let go of things you cannot control and instead focus on what you can.
  • Learn to say “no” and set healthy limits and boundaries. 

Stress Reduction Audio Guides

To download the audio guides, view them using Media Central

On-Campus Resources

Off-Campus Resources

  • ULifeline: an anonymous, confidential, online resource center where you can find information for yourself or a friend, and use their self-evaluation to screen for common mental health concerns.