• Pause, breathe, try again.

    “You are brave to go forth into this season knowing what challenges lie ahead. You are strong for choosing to live and meet and conquer them anyway.” – Xander Bell

     

    For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s the hardest. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, the upcoming holiday season is going to be unlike any other, and we want to acknowledge a few of those hurdles.

    We're on your side.

    It can be heartbreaking and lonesome. For some of us, that’s what we’re enduring to keep ourselves and others safe. We hope that you will honor your need for connection by picking up the phone to talk, text, or video chat with those who fill your heart. It may not be the holiday setting you’re used to or wished for, but take comfort in their presence, even in the digital form. You are never truly alone.

    We're on your side.

    Our anxieties have reached new heights this year. We get nervous about social interactions that didn’t bother us before, or perhaps your anxiety around seeing people has increased. No matter what, it’s valid. You are allowed to be concerned or uncomfortable. But take heart in knowing that you have every right to set boundaries that ensure your safety. And while you can’t control the reactions of others, remember that you are not an inconvenience or a disappointment for needing personal space or respect.

    We're on your side.

    Maybe the meals and elaborate dishes are your favorite part of the holiday season, but for others, they’re the place where stress emanates. Eating disorders impact countless people of all shapes, ages, genders, and races. Eating could be a coping mechanism or it could be a challenge to simply finish a meal. Humans need food to live, and our hope is for you to never deny yourself something you need. We understand that it’s hard to show yourself grace and love, especially in the midst of the commotion of a special gathering, so when you are faced with a moment that feels insurmountable, please find a safe space to pause, breathe, and try again.

    We're on your side.

    To those who have lost a parent, spouse, sibling, child, or friend—your grief does not have an expiration date. The pain and loss you have felt and may continue to feel are real, and this time of year may amplify it. If there is an empty seat at the dinner table or on the couch where your loved one could once be found, we hope that space can be honored through sharing funny stories or memories, expressing your heartache, and allowing room for your grief to exist.

     What is Stress?

    Stress is defined as a response to a demand that is placed upon you. Stress in a normal reaction when your brain recognizes a threat. When the threat is perceived, your body releases hormones that activate your “fight or flight” response. This fight or flight response is not limited to perceiving a threat, but in less severe cases, is triggered when we encounter unexpected events. Psychologist Richard S. Lazarus best described stress as “a condition or feeling that a person experiences when they perceive that the demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” For most people, stress is a negative experience.

    How does it affect you?Stress may cause you to have physiological, behavioral or even psychological effects.

    Physiological – hormone release triggers your fight or flight response. These hormones help you to either fight harder or run faster. They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. Stress has been tied to heart disease. Because of the increase in heart rate and blood pressure, prolonged stress increases the tension that is put on the arteries. It also affects your immune system which is why cold and flu illness usually show up during exams.
    Behavioral – it may cause you to be jumpy, excitable, or even irritable. The effects of stress may cause some people to drink or smoke heavily, neglect exercise or proper nutrition, or overuse either the television or the computer.
    Psychological – the response to stress may decrease your ability to work or interact effectively with other people, and be less able to make good decisions. Stress has also been known to play a part in anxiety and depression.

    What causes Stress?Stressors are anything that cause or increase stress. Below are a few examples:

    • Academics – by far the biggest stressor for college students: the pressure of not failing.
    • Dating – relationship problems may add to the pressure/stress of academics.
    • Environment – certain environments can bring about stress such as discussing/viewing heated topics, slow moving traffic, trying to find a parking spot, etc.
    • Extracurricular – some students may feel pressured to make extracurricular activities a part of their daily routine to the point where every hour of the day is accounted for.
    • Peers – peer pressure is a major stressor, especially pressure that is negatively influenced.
    • Time Management – one of the biggest stressors is not knowing how to plan and execute daily activities such as class, work, study time, extracurricular activities, and time alone.
    • Money – some student find themselves thinking more about money than they do anything else. Money is a huge stressor that college students face.
    • Parents – yes, even parents can become stressors. Pressure from parents to succeed is a great stressor.

    Stress Management Strategies

    1. Learn how to say “NO!” – know your limits and do not compromise them. Taking on more than you can handle is not a good choice. It is ok if you don't do every single activity that your club, fraternity, sorority or your friends are doing.
    2. Attitude – it is human nature to want to freak out. Your mind is a powerful tool; use it in your favor. Thinking rationally can take you a long way.
    3. Laugh – Do something that you enjoy, take on a hobby, hang out with friends, and learn to balance your life. If you are feeling upset, express your feelings. Don't keep them to yourself because that will only add to your stress.
    4. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes – this is just a quick fix. Once the chemical leave your body, you are back to feeling stressed and you are probably worse off than when you started.
    5. Healthy eating – get the proper nutrition. Eat at least one hot-home cooked meal a day.
    6. Exercise – physical activities can help you in not only burning off calories, but burning off stress. Exercise helps release tension. Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least 3 times per week.
    7. Relaxing your mind and body – take deep breaths. Visualize success. Set some “alone time” where you do something you enjoy. Practice “mindfulness”, focusing your attention on the present moment.
    8. Sleep – at least 7 hours of sleep are needed in order for your brain and body to function at optimum level. Avoid taking naps for more than 1 hour.
    9. Healthy relationships – talk and hang out with friends. Find some you relate to and with whom you can share your problems with.
    10. Time management – get a planner, create a schedule, or even a to-do list. Map out what your quarter will look like. Once you have done that, do a schedule for each week. Then create a schedule for each day. Be specific. Mark down your class meeting times, study time for a specific subject, mealtimes, fun activities, and sleep.
    11. Organization – learn how to organize your notes, keep track of your assignments and note important due dates or date of exams. Establish your priorities for the day.
    12. Budget – create a budget for your monthly expenses. Distribute your money according to the bills you need to pay for the quarter (i.e. rent, tuition, groceries, personal items, house bills, gasoline, etc.). Determine about how much money you will be able to spend “for fun.”
    13. Spirituality – spiritually is regarded as finding meaning in your life, the ability to connect with others.
    14. Determine your learning style – find out whether you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.
    15. Slow Down – take a deep breath and know your limits. Take your time so that you can ensure a well done job.
    16. Find a support system – whether it's your mom, sister, brother, friend or counselor, find someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Sometimes all we need is to vent off the frustration.
    17. Make changes in your surroundings – if you find it difficult to study in your dorm try moving to a place where there is no loud music, and brighter lights.
    18. Delegate responsibilities – when school or work becomes overwhelming, dividing up the work or responsibilities helps alleviate pressure and stress.

    Source: California Polytechnic University, Student Academic Services Website

    HELP! I'm stressed out!

    • AHS's Counseling Office is here to help. See your counselor if you need additional assistance. 

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