Show Finals Week Getting To You Take Control by Sharlee Simmons FINALS WEEK Projects are due finals are upon us and the weather outside is so lovely it gets progressively progressive progressive- ly harder to stay inside and attend classes At this time of the quarter most of us are under a great deal of stress However with the following suggestions we can learn to manage stress J Stress is a reaction to a situation or oran oran oran an idea It is the body's response to toa a stressor A. A Freese author of UNDERSTANDING STRESS defines a stressor as anything that threatens pushes prods or worries a person anything that speeds up keys up or tenses the body Stress causes the endocrine glands ductless glands that secrete directly into the blood bloodstream bloodstream bloodstream stream to serve as the mechanism that produce physical ailments such as kidney trouble high blood pressure heart and circulatory diseases arthritis and stomach 0 ulcers Stress is also known to ca cause e migraine headaches ups flare-ups of skin rashes and to aggravate asthma Recognizing stress and taking steps to manage it provides relief from tension and anxiety helps us better understand what is going on inside and makes the connection between the mind and the body HOW TO HANDLE STRESS author author- M. M Bienvenu says Mental processes have hav a strong influence positive or negative on physical and and emotional reactions to stress Positive mental programming will help reduce stress Facing a challenge or a goal with a positive attitude will enable us to handle it the best we can Forming a positive mental picture will eliminate most effects of stress in our lives The mental picture is us usually lly accompanied by self The things we say in our head are the things our subconscious mind goes to work on Positive images and positive self self- talk self lk can e encourage courage relaxation confidence ce and a feeling of wellness Learning how to relax is a skill that requires time and practice Relaxation is extremely beneficial when stress is present relaxation also contributes to sounder sleep and anda a feeling of well There is still much to be learned about nutrition and stress nevertheless nevertheless nevertheless less good nutrition is vital to optimum health and is especially critical when an individual is under unusual stress St Studies dies report that thaI junk foods containing large amounts of sugar may affect both physical and mental performance With the stresses and high pressure of student life skipped breakfasts and quick lunches are common For proper nutrition experts suggest that we 1 keep weight under control by counting calories 2 maintain a low cholesterol count 3 cut down of foods with concentrated sugar 4 eat an adequate breakfast 5 meet the daily requirements for proteins carbohydrates vitamins and minerals 0 Like nutrition exercise is essential for maintaining a high levet f fitness and for improving health For many people exercise is a very effective way to release tension and rejuvenate a sagging self est self em Most experts of fitness recommend 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week including a warm-up warm and a cooling- cooling down p period This is preferable to longer longe sessions once or twice a week During the end of the quarter it is difficult to find time away from studying yet enjoying time leisure activities will also reduce stress To reap the benefit from time available 0 0 0 for leisure view it as an interlude that can provide a sense of freedom and enjoyment and a break in routine Building g a support network k of family friends or classmates can be helpful to students under pressure Coping with stress and daily responsibilities responsibilities responsibilities without such support requires a m much ch greater effort Absorbing and applying all of these tips on managing stress will take time and practice however they are an essential pa part t of controlling stress and they make it easier to cope with the pressures of student life |