How to Cope with Stress

the HEALTHY way!

1. Don’t let stress take over!

• Some stress is good – it can keep you motivated and focused. But too much stress can negatively affect you.

• Sometimes people try to deal with stress by doing things that make it worse – like using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

2. Identify your stressors

• Some stressors might include:– Being busy– Not getting enough sleep– Pressure from school or work– Family problems– Trouble with friends or a

boyfriend/girlfriend– Struggles with personal identity– Financial struggles

3. Recognize the signs of stress.• Some signs of too much stress

include:– Feeling anxious, nervous or tired– Difficulty concentrating– Forgetfulness– Getting sick more than usual– Feeling depressed or overwhelmed

4. Identify what you can control – and what you can’t.• Some things that cause stress are

easy to change• Ask yourself: Is this important to me? – If it’s not important – forget about it!

• Ask yourself: Can I control this?– If you can’t control it, why worry? – Can you change the situation somehow

so that you can control it?

5. Slow down and take time for yourself!• Having too much to do is a huge cause of

stress. – Consider cutting things out of your schedule– Eliminate “time zappers” like

Facebook/Twitter– Be okay with saying “no”

• Do things that you enjoy and help you relax

• Spend some time by yourself

6. Get stress-free with UHC!

• The University Health Center has a lot of FREE resources that can help you learn to cope with your stress.– Relaxation training–Wellness Coaching–Meditation– Referrals for Mental Health/Counseling

Center (fees may apply)

• Want more information or to make an appointment?

–Website: http://www.health.umd.edu/wellness

– Email: mcohen@health.umd.edu– Phone: 301.314.1493– Drop in: Health Promotion – Ground floor

of the University Health Center