Stress

Everyone feels stress from time to time. Stress can include feeling overwhelmed about a paper due, finances, friends, family or other obligations. Sometimes stress encourages you to work harder or faster. But too much stress, like anything else, can be unhealthy. Picture blowing air into a balloon. Up to a certain point, the balloon can contain the air. But eventually, it will pop, which represents being over-stressed. It can lead to difficulty concentrating, headaches, other physical pains, insomnia or changing in eating habits.

Stress can be managed in several different ways. Here are some things that have worked for students, but decide what works for you!

• Read a book (not for class!) or a magazine
• Listen to music, or create your own
• Call a friend or family member just to chat
• Exercise. With so many ways to get moving, there's some type of activity for you!
• Meditation or mindfulness
• Create a schedule so you know what assignments you have and when they are due.
• Get enough sleep!

Do you have some other ways to reduce stress? Tweet them to us, we'll share our favorites!  And be sure to check out HCI's stress-relief events on ProfLink!