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Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence

Health & Counseling Center

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Stress Management

Stress is the way your mind and body react psychologically and physically to various conditions, changes, situations, and demands in your life.

In other words, stress is our body's "fight, freeze, or flight" response to threats.

Examples of different stressors:
  • Physical: Lack of sleep, exercise, injury
  • Psychological: Abuse, trauma, discrimination, violence
  • Environmental: Noise, crowds, lights, natural disasters
What aspects of college life might contribute to student stress?
  • Adjusting to the demanding and success-driven environment of college
  • No control over demands of college
  • Family expectations
  • Dealing with major transitions
  • We're constantly connected
  • Overly saturated by media, ads, posters, social media
  • Financial situations
  • Time constraints
Ways to Manage Stress

Avoid unnecessary stress

  • Learn how to say no
  • Avoid people who stress you out
  • Take control of your environment
  • Avoid hot-button topics
  • Pare down your to-do list

Alter the situation

  • Express your feelings
  • Be willing to compromise
  • Be more assertive
  • Manage your time better

Adapt to the stressor

  • Reframe problems
  • Look at the big picture
  • Adjust your standards
  • Focus on the positive

Accept the things you can't change

  • Don't try to control the uncontrollable
  • Look for the upside
  • Share your feelings
  • Learn to forgive

Make time for fun and relaxation

  • Set aside relaxation time
  • Connect with others
  • Do something you enjoy every day
  • Keep your sense of humor

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Reduce caffeine and sugar
  • Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs
  • Get enough sleep
Stress Management & Relaxation Resources

Request a Stress Management presentation here.

Downloadable Handouts

Quarterly Stress Relief Events

The Health & Counseling Center, in partnership with Anderson Academic Commons, hosts a quarterly Stress Relief Event in AAC 290 (the Special Events Room). Stop by one of these events to pet therapy dogs, get a massage, color, and snack.

These events are held on the Wednesday of Week 10 each quarter from 10am-2pm:

  • Fall 2019- November 13th, 2019
  • Winter 2020- March 11th, 2020
  • Spring 2020- June 3rd, 2020