Stress and what to do about it

Hand squeezing stress ball

As we begin the new semester, the campus is buzzing with energy.  There is also stress as you adjust to new people, new places/routines, and new class schedules, etc.  Stress is unavoidable.

What will you do to manage this stress?

Many college students reported feeling highly stressed (61 percent), and more students failed to do much about it (72 percent) reported low use of stress management techniques according to a recent study1 of college students performed by King and colleagues.

Here are 10 effective stress management techniques:

  1. Pause for a moment and take
  2. a deep breath. Relax those tense muscles.  When you’re stressed, proper breathing techniques can be powerful.
  3. See the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “How big a deal is this? How does this fit in the grand scheme of things?”
  4. Don’t let it build up. Reach out to a friend or a counselor and talk it out so you do not hold on to painful feelings.  Seek out a professional: ccs.osu.edu
  5. Daily “me time.” Just afew minutes of leisure activity can be quite relaxing.
  6. Plan it out: Take a few moments each day to plan out the rest of the day. It can bring a calm sense of control.
  7. Listen to relaxing music.
  8. Physical activity. Go for a relaxing walk, take a yoga meditation class or spend a few minutes at the RPAC.
  9. Remember the basics: Get 7-9 hours of sleep.
  10. Avoid alcohol/tobacco/drugs and avoid excessive caffeine. These unhealthy coping methods only worsen your stress.
  11. Eat nutritious food.

King KA, et al. The Journal of Happiness & Well-Being, 2014, 2(2), 132-144

  1. A study of stress, social support, and perceived happiness among college students.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes.  With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.