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Stress Management. STRESS!. What is it? What causes it? What can you do about it?. Why Do We Need Stress Busters?. Strive to achieve a balance between too much stress and not enough stress. Too much stress interferes with memory, concentration, and learning.
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STRESS! What is it? What causes it? What can you do about it?
Why Do We Need Stress Busters? • Strive to achieve a balance between too much stress and not enough stress. • Too much stress interferes with memory, concentration, and learning. • Stress can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and sleeplessness, in addition to more serious health problems.
How Can You Deal With Stress? • Learn to recognize stress and the triggers that cause it in your life. • Reduce stress by using positive stress-management techniques. • Try different techniques until you find several that work well for you.
Stress Busters Exercise Deep Breathing Take a few deep, calming breaths Focusing on a deep-breathing exercise can clear your mind • Participate in any physical activity you enjoy • Walk, run, bike, lift weights, play sports, etc. • Yoga & Tai Chi in particular help with feeling calm and centered Meditate or Pray • Practice your faith or spirituality • Can help put stress in perspective • Seek out religious/spiritual guidance or support
Stress Busters Express your Creativity Laugh Laughter is often the best medicine Find something humorous and take the time to enjoy it • Use your creative talents to express yourself • Write, draw, sing, dance, etc. Listen to Music • Use music as a tool to focus and de-stress • Choose music that makes you feel good – whether it’s upbeat or soothing • Create a “stress buster” playlist
Stress Busters Talk It Out Play Spend time on a hobby, interest, or activity you enjoy Let your “inner child” out to have fun Take advantage of events and activities on campus and locally • Reach out to a friend, family member, mentor, or teacher • Confide in someone you trust • Ask for advice or support Socialize • Spend time with people you care about • Even if you don’t talk about what’s bothering you, socializing can reduce stress
Stress Busters Take a Break Think Positively Find a different perspective or the cloud’s “silver lining” Repeat positive affirmations • Give yourself a few minutes of “alone time” to recharge • Returning to the task at hand will be easier after a short break • Try taking a brief power-nap to renew your energy Visualization • Visualize something you find relaxing and calming • Bring your mental imagery to mind when you feel stressed • Recall positive memories
Stress-Busting Activity • Notice which situations and events trigger stress for you. • Try out at least three different stress busters over the next few weeks when you feel yourself becoming stressed. • Pay attention to which ones work best for you.
Journal Entry Reflect on the experience of stress-busting. • What stressors did you experience recently? • Which stress-busting techniques did you try? • Describe how you implemented each technique and the results you achieved. • Which technique was your favorite? Why?
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