Worry over exams, anger over making a low grade and panic over not having enough time to do everything are all emotions felt by many U of M students.
The outcome -- a condition known as stress.
"Stress is very dangerous," said Peter Bloch, spokesperson for the YogaLife Institute. "Worrying about time, jobs, school and other everyday problems can cause an individual to develop both medical and mental problems."
Medical problems can include chest pain, headaches, bowel problems and high blood pressure.
"There are eight key stress warning signs," Bloch said. "(They include) anger for unknown reason, perfectionism, time-urgency, a feeling of disappointment, projecting a negative mood always, a feeling of underachievement, tension in joints and other physical problems without any sign of illness."
Charter Lakeside, in Bartlett, Tenn., is one facility that offers treatment for stress disorders.
Treatment begins with a free initial consultation which includes a physical and a survey to measure the level of stress in the body.
After evaluation, Charter Lakeside refers cases to a doctor, and a treatment program is created. The cost varies based on treatment.
The treatment is outpatient-based and is done in the highest confidentiality, according to Charter Lakeside.
Senior journalism major Vesti Fletcher said she knows all about stress.
"I know about being stressed out," Fletcher said. "The way I unstress is by writing poetry and short stories. I also like to read and surf the Internet."
"To relax, I go home and sit under a big tree in my backyard," said Aramark employee Geraldine Clark. "I think only about the present moment and I push all the stress out of my mind."
Clark said if it rains, she stays inside and relaxes.
"In case of rain, I prepare a cup of hot tea and lounge in my den," Clark said. "I watch TV or read a book."
Bloch said stress can be controlled through meditation.
"For some people, the practice of meditation is the only thing they need to relieve their stress," Bloch said. "However, meditation works best if you are also working to have a healthy, active body. You can feel stressed and depressed because of drug dependency, including prescription drug dependency, or from withdrawal from drugs."
Bloch said too much caffeine could also cause stress.
"So, to reduce stress, do not abuse drugs," Bloch said. "Eat right, get proper nutrition. Stretch your limbs -- try yoga."
Yoga is an ancient art, developed over 5,000 years ago in India. Its purpose is to calm the mind.
According to Bloch, yoga can practiced by anyone.
"Yoga relieves tension and keeps the body supple and responsive," Bloch said. "It also helps to develop the ability to sit quietly while feeling a sense of comfort."
Other ways Bloch said were useful in reducing stress: aerobic exercise (walking, ice skating, bicycling, swimming, using a treadmill), listening to music and painting.
"When you feel consumed by stress or depression, it is best to breathe and try to calm down," Bloch said. "Meditation helps you to witness your mind, placing your fears and disappointments in perspective. By paying less attention to your troubling thoughts, you can experience power and peace."
