Could you be a stressed out college student?
Has anxiety and pressure from school left your nerves wound tightly?
The stress you may be facing is caused by both physical and psychological factors according to Dr. Gregory Hill of Bentley College, MA.
Major stresses facing college students include their living environment, lack of cash, deadlines, and relationships. The body responds to daily stress by increasing your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and metabolism according to the National Mental Health Association.
Some major symptoms of stress researched by the University of Buffalo include: feeling irritable or moody, constant worrying about the future, being preoccupied, and forgetfulness. Other symptoms in your behavior include crying for no apparent reason, grinding your teeth, being accident prone, and an increase or decrease in appetite. Physical stress may increase perspiration, dryness of the mouth, problems sleeping, and headaches, just to name a few.
"I feel like I am stressed out all the time," said 21 year-old Danielle Steele, a psychology major.
Steele is taking 19 hours this semester and said that she smokes to relieve stress. One main side effect of stress Steele believes affects her most is sleeping.
"Many times college students find themselves stressed out due to over scheduling themselves," said Director of Student Disability Services Susan Te Paske. To reduce stress rates Te Paske advises students to plan ahead.
"I believe that I do manage my time well," said Diana Waring 20, a biology major. The only time Waring said that she really feels stressed out is before taking exams. Another cause of stress for Waring is her daily commute from Millington to The U of M campus, which usually takes 30 minutes.
"Finding time to exercise is a good way to relieve stress," said Natasha Reeves, 24, with a master's in psychology.
Other methods for reducing stress among college students include: listening to music, eating healthy, talking to a friend, or setting realistic goals, according to "Self-Care Stress: Ten Timely Tips," by John Mason Ph.D.
