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:o Having enough time or meeting deadlineso Facing the futureo Dealing with a situation over which you have no controlo 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:o Relationship difficultieso Withdrawal o Depression and anxietyo Feeling overwhelmed or isolatedo Disorganizationo Inability to concentrate

There are also physical symptoms of stress, which include: o Elevated pulse and blood pressureo Shallow breathingo Tight muscles, aches, and painso Headacheso Difficulty sleepingo Frequent colds

Stress Level Take a quick online quiz to determine your current level of

stress

o http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-assessment/SR00029

o 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:

o Learn about time management.

o Take time to relax. Practice deep breathing or meditation.

o 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 and Psychological Services: Lawrence 241, 610-436-2301.

Individual and group services. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.cou/

Department of Public Safety: 690 S. Church St. 610-436-3311. Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus. http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/

Learning Assistance Resource Center: Lawrence 223, 610-436-2535. Tutoring, study skills and more. http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/

Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Assistance: Sykes 238, 610-436-3511 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.jud/

Office of Multicultural Affairs: Sykes 003, 610-436-3273. Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being. http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.mca/default.asp

Office of Social Equity: 13-15 University Ave. 610-436-2433. Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination. http://www.wcupa.edu/_admin/social.equity/

Campus Resources cont’d. Campus Recreation: Ehinger Gym Rm 133

http://www.wcupa.edu/CampusRec/default.asp

Student Health and Wellness Services: Wayne Hall, 2nd Floor 610-436-2509 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.inf/

Twardowski Career Development Center: Lawrence 106, 610-436-2501 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/STU.CAR/

Women's Center: Lawrence Rm 100, 2nd floor. 610-436-2122. Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.wce/

Writing Center: Lawrence 214 610-436-5664. Writing assistance start to finish. http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/writingcenter/

Financial Aid Office: 25 University Ave. 610-436-2627 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/FIN_AID/

Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/