Actively Coping with Stress Strategies that can help you achieve your goals when you’re feeling the pressure

Experiencing Stress is Normal Both physically and mentally, stress is the wear and tear our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment

Negative Influences of Stress Stress may result in distrust, rejection, anger, and depression which can cause health problems. Related Health Issues Include: Headaches, high blood pressure, rashes, upset stomach, insomnia, and weight loss/gain

Stress Causing Factors Transitioning to college Demanding major Outside pressures Family Relationship Extra-curricular Jobs [Part-time/Full-time] Math anxiety (guest speaker: Terry Matthews)

Feeling Stressed Feeling stressed can make you want to give up on: Classes Your major Assignments Relationships There are effective ways to cope with everyday stressors. Stress can help or hinder you depending on your reaction !!

Positive Influences of Stress Stress helps to compel you to action, and can result in a new awareness and new perspectives on life.

Positive Stress Stress adds anticipation and excitement to life Deadlines Frustrations Competitions Confrontations Idea is not to eliminate stress, rather to learn how to manage it.

Good Coping Strategies 1. Active Coping a. Confront your challenges directly b. Execute your strategy c. Break challenges down into smaller steps 2. Planning a. Anticipate your challenges b. Think through the obstacles c. Develop a strategy

Good Coping Strategies 3. Set Priorities and Manage Time a. Develop a weekly schedule b. How much time do you really have? 4. Change your Thinking a. What are the potential benefits of the challenge you’re facing? b. What are you learning? c. How will you grow from it? d. How will it help you reach your goals?

Bad Coping Strategies 1.Denial Ignoring the problem 2. Quitting Behavioral or mental disengagement 3. Focusing on negative feelings Thinking about how “bad” it is instead of what’s good about it and making it better 4. Waiting too late to ask for help Asking for help at the end of the semester. 5. Being reactive rather than proactive Studying after the bad test grade instead of before

Learning to Manage Stress Be aware of your stressors and your reactions. How does your body react to stress? Think about what you can and cannot change. Try reducing your emotional reactions. Moderate your physical reactions to stress. Relax, whatever that is for you Build your physical reserves. Exercise, get enough sleep Maintain your emotional reserves Develop mutually supportive friendships