College Success Tip #8

Stress Management

 

What is stress management?           

Why do so many students get sick around exam time?  Stress manifests itself as a psychological or physical reaction to outside influences.  Stress in college is inevitable although it can be managed so as not to become overwhelming and create negative consequences for students. Understanding the triggers of stress and learning some basic tools to help manage it can minimize its effect.

Why is stress management important?

The pressures students face while trying to balance all aspects of their lives can be overwhelming at times.  If students aren’t able to balance the demands placed on them, their stress level can increase while their success rate can decrease.  Students need to understand that for each 1 hour they are in class, they will have 2-3 hours of homework.  That means for a student taking 15 units, they will have 30-45 hours of time committed to class and outside work.  This is on top of any time dedicated to work, family, sports, etc.  Student often start out with their time already maxed-out.  When a problem emerges, the student’s stress level is sure to increase. 

Examples of stress management

Some ways to reduce stress include:

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly

•  Learning a relaxation method such as yoga or meditation

• Not taking on additional activities if you do not have the time

• Avoiding drugs and alcohol;

• Making time for hobbies and play

• Managing your time efficiently (make each minute count)

Internal links for stress management

There are several campus resources that can help you with stress management.  The New Student Advisement Guide, complied by the Matriculation Department has many ideas for students to reference.  Counseling courses 111 and 150 will also assist with stress management planning as well as many other topics related to student success.

The College of the Canyons’ Student Health Center can also help with stress and anxiety.  Visit their website for more information.

External links for stress management

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chd/resources/stress/

Upcoming workshops on stress management

Cougar Mentors in the Student Development Office offer various workshops, some that address stress management. For more information call 661-362-3141 or email cougarmentor@canyons.edu or go to www.canyons.edu/offices/student_development/src.

Sources:

1. The Community College Experience by Amy Baldwin (Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005).

2. Cornerstone: Building on Your Best, 4^th Ed., by Robert M. Sherfield, Rhonda J. Montgomery, and Patricia G. Moody (Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005).

3. Becoming a Master Student, 10^th Ed., by Dave Ellis (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003).

4.  Study Guides and Strategies, http://www.studygs.net/index.htm.

5. Dartmouth’s Academic Skills Center, http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/index.html.