It piles on from everywhere -- the 20 pages of papers due in thesame week, work obligations, internship applications, what to getfor your little sister's birthday.
It seems to happen every semester. Whether you're taking 21hours or 12, stress is inescapable.
For sophomore education major Michael G�mez, it's theend-of-semester papers and portfolios that push his stressbuttons.
"Next week this time, I'm gonna be like, 'Oh, (snap)!'"G�mez said.
However, G�mez knows what keeps him from beingoverwhelmed.
"Working out and hanging out with friends," he said.
To help students recognize stressors in their lives and developcoping techniques, The University of Memphis' Center for StudentDevelopment is hosting a seminar Saturday.
Deadre Holmes, psychology intern with CSD, said everyoneresponds differently to stress.
For some, it's a headache or upset stomach, while for othersit's irritability or trouble sleeping, she said.
Holmes said procrastination is a major culprit of stress, andthat hitting the books now and actually using the study day(Thursday, April 22) will keep exam-week stress to a minimum.
According to the Web site for the Centre for Stress Management,an international training and consultancy group, stress occurs whenpressure exceeds one's perceived ability to cope.
However, Holmes said, stress is not without its silver lining.It can motivate productivity.
"Without a certain amount of stress, we are not motivated totake action," she said.
Holmes offered some things people can do during the day to helpcurb stress.
Deep breathing exercises and short walks can have a relaxingeffect, she said.
"Fifteen minutes of fresh air helps," Holmes said.
Holmes also emphasized the importance of a good diet and sleepschedule.
"People are animals. Eating and sleeping are vitally importantto us," she said.
Sheree Jones, sophomore social work major, appreciates thebenefits rest can bring.
"If you're really stressed, you can take a nap and you'll wakeup refreshed," Jones said.
Holmes said that what works for one may not work for all,however. Stress management needs to be individualized.
The CSD's stress seminar is Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, inthe University Center, Room 204. The free event provides acomplimentary breakfast and lunch, and will feature a lecture by Uof M psychologist Clairressa Goad on how to minimize stress and useit to your advantage. To RSVP, call 678-2995.
