How to Deal with Class Stress?

What is Stress?

Why is it that no matter what we do, we're almost always stressed out? Well, stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. Without stress, there would be no life.

According to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints or disorders.

There are two kinds of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress keeps us alert; it motivates us to face challenges and drives us to solve problems. Distress results when our bodies overreact to events; this can cause health problems.

"Stress is anything that takes a psychological or physical toll on you. It's not necessarily a bad thing," says Tammy Coder Mikinski, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist based in Kansas City, who was also the director of the Counseling Center at Rock Hurst University in Kansas City for the past eight years.

Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects due to stress, according to AIS. Ear and sinus infections, stomach and back pains, headaches and tension are all common stress-related health problems. "For some college students, stress makes them sick.

How to Overcome Stress

So why do we stress out so much during the university? For one thing, most of us aren't managing our time properly. We're having trouble prioritizing our daily tasks, and we don't take time to relax. Not to mention the fact that many college students work which adds another dimension of responsibility and stress.

Here are several strategies that can help a student cope with stressful situations:

• One should learn to manage time wisely. Making and following a daily schedule that includes time for classes, reading and writing assignments, exam preparation (no procrastinating!), healthy meals, exercise and a job.

• One should set priorities and make the most of his opportunities as a student. Should Write down the most important items and concentrate on those at the top of his list.

• Writing ideas down helps crystallize one’s thinking and reinforce important goals.

• Learning to say "no" to some of the demands for time.

• Protecting own best interests by refusing to allow oneself to become overstressed by taking on every request or opportunity that comes in one’s way.

• Socializing with those who really care about their studies and are keen in getting good grades.

• Making careful planning