The university’s student council is aware of the growing problem of stress on the campus, and has compiled a few techniques to help the average student deal with their issues. Stress comes in many forms and from many sources. A few of the more common ones we are going to cover in this short pamphlet are peer pressure, financial issues, and time management. We will take a quick look at some reliable solutions and coping skills to keep everyone on track to fulfill their goals.
The quickest and most effective way to lower your stress instantly is to breathe. I’m sure you’re thinking “I breathe all the time, otherwise I would be dead,” but this is about proper breathing techniques. Your sternum or breast bone is in the middle of your chest and connects your ribs. You want to lift up your sternum so your spine is in proper alignment, good posture. Now take a slow deep breath allowing your diaphragm and stomach to expand while counting to 3 slowly. Exhale to the count of 5, nice and slow. Do a set of three to four breaths to start with; you can feel free to increase the amount as you become more efficient with this process. You should already feel far more relaxed and centered in your body. You can do this anywhere, anytime. Even as few as one of these deep-paced breaths well help you get your focus back, and calm you down.
Technique two follows your breathing with a few light stretches. Sit in a chair and hold the bottom of the seat with your right hand, then lean to your left, feeling the stretching through your right neck and arm. Lift your left arm and lay it on your head. Use the weight of your arm to lengthen the stretch, hold for a 10 count, then release. Turn your head like you are checking to see if your deodorant is working and lay your arm on your head, again this will stretch the back of your neck. Switch sides and repeat the process. After you have stretched both sides do a very slow head roll, first to the right and then left, completing full circles. Then stand and roll your shoulders back, bend over and touch your toes, straighten up and lean as far back as you can, careful not to lose your balance.
Your peers can be a huge source of stress in your life; from who has what, to rumor spreading, to just finding the time to hang out. First rule: choose your friends carefully; there are over 5,000 people on this college campus at any given time, so there are lots of choices for friends. You want people who are reliable, supportive and encourage you to meet the goals you set for yourself. Your friends should be there when it’s time to go out and have fun but they should also come through in a pinch when hard times roll around. My best friend in college was always there for me; when I was strapped for cash and had a final paper due in less than twelve hours she came over with food, and Red Bull and then helped me type the paper so it was finished in time. Do you have solid friends who would do that for you? If not then maybe it’s time to reevaluate the people you have around you.
Money issues and time management skills are a must to keep up with the fast-paced life that is college. Money issues can range from having a high-stress and low-paying job, to not being able to find a job at all. If you have a job that stresses you out, start updating your resume. Career services cannot only help you do a great resume, they can give you job leads and shop you around to prospective employers. Consider redoing your budget to see how much you really need to live on and adjust your hours accordingly. Minor adjustments such as eating breakfast at home can save you a lot of cash. Also talk to your financial aid administrator to see about student loans or work-study to lower your stress. You can join a work-study program that will pay part of your tuition, leaving more available funds leftover from your student loans. Time management skills include options like pre-arranging your schedule to allowing yourself time and flexibility in your life. Make allowances for travel time and homework. Sorting out your obligations by priority will also help keep you on track. While making your schedule allow at least 10 minutes in the morning, at lunch, and before bed for centering techniques to help you keep your mind focused and stress levels down.
