Stress Management

Stress Management

Causes of Stress • Stress can be caused by both positive and negative external factors, such as falling in love or taking an exam. • Some things people commonly worry about are: • Having enough time or meeting deadlines • Facing the future • Dealing with a situation over which you have no control • Interacting with a person or a group of people

Are you Overwhelmed? • Regardless of the cause of stress, how your body responds to stress is what you feel. • Recognize the emotional signs of being overly stressed: • Relationship difficulties • Withdrawal • Depression and anxiety • Feeling overwhelmed or isolated • Disorganization • Inability to concentrate • There are also physical symptoms of stress, which include: • Elevated pulse and blood pressure • Shallow breathing • Tight muscles, aches, and pains • Headaches • Difficulty sleeping • Frequent colds

Stress Level • Take a quick online quiz to determine your current level of stress • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-assessment/SR00029 • http://www.arc.sbc.edu/stressquiz.html

I’m Stressed…Now What?! • If your stress level is moderate to high, don’t worry! There are a lot of things you can do to manage and lower your stress.

Start with Basics • Nutrition – Eat a varied and balanced diet, and don’t skip meals. • Exercise– 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week • Sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours each night.

What Else Can I Do? • If you’re already getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition and you still feel stressed, there are additional things to try: • Learn about time management. • Take time to relax. Practice deep breathing or meditation. • Find time to do activities that you find relaxing, like yoga, reading, listening to music, or a new hobby. • Alcohol and drug consumption can contribute to your levels of stress. Contact the Health and Wellness Center for more information if you think alcohol or drugs are affecting you. http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-breathing-exercises-for-relaxation

Campus Resources • Counseling and Psychological Services: Lawrence 241, 610-436-2301. Individual and group services. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.cou/ • Department of Public Safety: 690 S. Church St. 610-436-3311. Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus. http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/ • Learning Assistance Resource Center: Lawrence 223, 610-436-2535. Tutoring, study skills and more. http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/ • Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Assistance: Sykes 238, 610-436-3511 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.jud/ • Office of Multicultural Affairs: Sykes 003, 610-436-3273. Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being. http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.mca/default.asp • Office of Social Equity: 13-15 University Ave. 610-436-2433. Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination. http://www.wcupa.edu/_admin/social.equity/

Campus Resources cont’d. • Campus Recreation: Ehinger Gym Rm 133 http://www.wcupa.edu/CampusRec/default.asp • Student Health and Wellness Services: Wayne Hall, 2nd Floor 610-436-2509 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.inf/ • Twardowski Career Development Center: Lawrence 106, 610-436-2501 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/STU.CAR/ • Women's Center: Lawrence Rm 100, 2nd floor. 610-436-2122. Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.wce/ • Writing Center: Lawrence 214 610-436-5664. Writing assistance start to finish. http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/writingcenter/ • Financial Aid Office: 25 University Ave. 610-436-2627 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/FIN_AID/ • Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/

Stress Management