Stress Management

Causes of Stress Stress can be caused by both positive and negative external factors, such as falling in love or taking an exam. Some things people commonly worry about are: Having enough time or meeting deadlines Facing the future Dealing with a situation over which you have no control Interacting with a person or a group of people

Are you Overwhelmed? Regardless of the cause of stress, how your body responds to stress is what you feel. Recognize the emotional signs of being overly stressed: Relationship difficulties Withdrawal Depression and anxiety Feeling overwhelmed or isolated Disorganization Inability to concentrate There are also physical symptoms of stress, which include: Elevated pulse and blood pressure Shallow breathing Tight muscles, aches, and pains Headaches Difficulty sleeping Frequent colds

Stress Level Take a quick online quiz to determine your current level of stress http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-assessment/SR00029 http://www.arc.sbc.edu/stressquiz.html

I’m Stressed…Now What?! If your stress level is moderate to high, don’t worry! There are a lot of things you can do to manage and lower your stress.

Start with Basics Nutrition – Eat a varied and balanced diet, and don’t skip meals. Exercise – 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle- strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week Sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours each night.

What Else Can I Do? If you’re already getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition and you still feel stressed, there are additional things to try: Learn about time management. Take time to relax. Practice deep breathing or meditation. Find time to do activities that you find relaxing, like yoga, reading, listening to music, or a new hobby. Alcohol and drug consumption can contribute to your levels of stress. Contact the Health and Wellness Center for more information if you think alcohol or drugs are affecting you. http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-breathing-exercises-for-relaxation

Campus Resources Counseling & Psychological Services: Lawrence Center, Second Level 705 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2301. Individual and group services. Department of Public Safety: Peoples Building 690 South Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-3311. Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus. Learning Assistance Resource Center: 224 Lawrence Center, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-2535. Tutoring, study skills and more. Office of Student Conduct: Ruby Jones Hall, Room 200 West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-3511 Dowdy Multicultural Center: Sykes Student Union, Room 003 West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-3273. Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being. Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 114 W. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2433. Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination.

Campus Resources cont’d. Campus Recreation: 275 North Campus Drive, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436- 1732 Student Health Services: Commonwealth Hall, Ground Floor; 610-436-2509 Twardowski Career Development Center: 225 Lawrence Center 705 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2501 Center for Women & Gender Equity: Lawrence Center, Room 214 West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2122. Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. Writing Center: FHG Library Room 251, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-430-5664. Writing assistance start to finish. Financial Aid Office: 25 University Avenue, Suite 030, West Chester, PA 19383; 610- 436-2627 Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/