The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Relax to relieve stress of college life

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    For college students, there are pressures flying from all directions. In working to become an independent adult, many students are forced to split their time between work and classes, juggling endless tasks and assignments. 

    In addition, this transitional phase includes a multitude of new responsibilities and experiences, from laundry and grocery shopping to insurance and career choices. The hectic schedules and environmental changes leave college students specifically vulnerable to stress.

    The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as the brain’s response to any demand, with change as a major trigger. These changes can be both positive or negative, as well as real or perceived.

    According to stress.org, results from a 2008 mental health study show 80 percent of students sometimes or frequently experience stress in their daily lives, which is a 20 percent increase from a 2003 survey. Common responses to stress include headaches, sleeplessness, depressed mood, anger and irritability. 

    My body responds to stress and tension with frequent and long-lasting headaches. Over the last few years I’ve focused on incorporating relaxing habits into my daily routines. 

    According to the National Institute of Mental Health, continued stress may lead to severe health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and anxiety disorder.

    Some of my favorite ways to relax include reading, napping, lighting candles, painting, practicing yoga, taking a hot bath, dancing, listening to peaceful music, breathing deeply, mediating, writing, taking long walks or lying in the sunshine.

    An intentional focus on improving my mental health has been the key to keeping the pain and stress at bay. When clearing the mind and freeing mental energy, it’s important to be mentally present. Considering the physical senses, what I’m hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting and touching, helps to anchor me. Your body is taking in an endless variety of sensations with each passing moment. It’s almost exhilarating to think about.

    When you’re feeling tense, even taking five minutes to breathe slowly and center yourself can influence your decisions and make a significant difference in the outcome of your day.

    A discussion of stress and relaxation would not be complete without addressing worry. As a bit of a perfectionist and control freak, I am prone to worry at every level of importance. A purposeful change in perspective has been quite effective in freeing my mind of silly worries. More specifically, I focus on gratitude. 

    When I’m experiencing stress and worry, I find relief in counting my blessings. I have plenty of food, an abundance of clothing, clean water, two arms and legs, a working brain, a comfortable bed, five working senses, an opportunity to educate myself, etc. The more I count, the more I realize how fortunate and blessed I am. 

    There are a myriad of ideas and thoughts to consider, both positive and negative. Why not choose the positive ones?

    While stress can be mostly self-alleviated, for severe cases don’t be shy about setting up an appointment with the University Counseling Center by calling 985-549-3894.

    Remember, as the Canadian scientist Hans Selye said, “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

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