Stress Management

Stress management is very individualized. Figuring out what works best for you is a matter of trying different things and paying attention to how your body responds. The Counseling and Wellness Center has counselors ready to help you.

Tips on Dealing with Stress

• Take control. Set realistic goals for yourself. Rank them with the highest priority on tasks you must do.
• Assess. Why do some things upset you so easily?
• Communicate. Share your concerns with close friends and family. Try to solve conflicts with others.
• Ask for help. Friends, family, professionals, and/or clergy can help.
• Surround yourself with encouraging people.
• Remove yourself from the source of stress.
• Pace yourself. Do not overbook your life.
• Learn how to say "No" if you are overloaded.
• Exercise. Release pent up energy.
• Create a soothing atmosphere in places where you can find yourself stressing.
• Play soft music when you feel stressed.
• Take a warm shower. Focus only on the pleasure of the warm water rather than the events of the day.

Daily Stress Reducers

Practiced for ten minutes a day, these four tension busters can make your body less responsive to stress hormones within a month.

• Meditation. The idea is to break the train of stressful thoughts by focusing on a simple word, sound, or prayer.
• Deep Breathing. Inhale slowly, pushing your stomach out to bring air deep into your lungs. Hold for a count of five. As you exhale, imagine all of the tension in your body and mind leaving with tthe breath. Repeat.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Working down from face to feet, tense one group of muscles for 20 seconds, then relax slowly before moving to the next group.
• Imagery. Mentally transport yourself to a tranquil place – a snowcapped mountain, wild meadow, or empty beach. For maximum effect, imagine vivid details – colors, sounds, and aromas.