Study and Critical Thinking Skills in College

Do you know… • What stress is? • How to know if you are feeling stress? • What causes stress? • How you can change your thinking to reduce stress? • How you can change your habits to reduce stress? © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Responses to Stress • Positive response: • Used as a motivator • Negative response: • Perceived as a threat • Interferes with ability to function mentally, emotionally, and physically © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Symptoms of Stress • Emotional Symptoms • Feeling rushed or mentally exhausted • Difficulty concentrating • Short-temperedness • Feeling listless, unfocused © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Question 1 • Which of the following is a positive reaction to stress? • Staying up late thinking about what you need to get done • Talking to a friend about all the work you need to get done • Prioritizing your work and starting on the most important item • Avoiding thinking about your work so it doesn’t bother you © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Question 2 • Which of the following might indicate that you are under stress? • A loss of appetite • Headaches • A lack of concentration • All of the above © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Causes of Stress • Major Life Changes • Academic Course Work • Job/Career • Relationships • Financial Problems • Lack of Sleep • Health, fitness and nutrition © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Reducing Stress • Accept responsibility • Do I agree that this task is necessary? • Am I the right person to perform this task? • Do I have the resources I need to succeed in this task? © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Reducing Stress • Focus on doing the best you can • Focus on positive outcomes • How can I finish this assignment on time? • How well can I do this assignment? • Use positive visualization © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Reducing Stress • Focus on benefits of achieving the goal • Look at how challenge helps you achieve your goals • Avoid thinking of consequences of failure © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Question 3 • Which of the following is NOT a common cause of stress? • Any change in your life • Balancing school, work, and a job • Routine decisions like what to have for dinner • Finding a way to pay for college © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Question 4 • What is a good way to reduce stress? • Focus on why you are trying to complete the work • Avoid thinking about the work you have to do • Do something you want to do rather than something you need to do • Find a way to get out of doing the work © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Changing Your Habits • Leave work problems at work • Control your own time • Give yourself a break • Interact with others • Learn how to say “No” © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Changing Your Habits • Help someone out • Get some exercise • Make fewer choices • Control your environment • Change your study habits • Seek the help of others © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Question 5 • George asks you to study with him. While you are working, he answers his cell phone three times, agreeing to go to the movies with friends and take his brother to the airport. What would you suggest he do? • Take fewer classes so he has more time to meet family obligations • Take control of his time by turning his cell phone off while studying • Learn how to say no to people asking him for his time • B and C © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Managing Stress • Chapter Review • What Is Stress • Definition of Stress • Symptoms of Stress • Causes of Stress • Changing Your Thinking to Reduce Stress • Accept Responsibility • Focus on Doing the Best You Can • Focus on Benefits of Achieving the Goal • Changing Your Habits © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman

Study and Critical Thinking Skills in College