Stress and Overcoming It
By Russel Altamira
It is inevitable for college students to stress during their four years in college. Midterms, term papers, and finals are all stressors that may negatively affect students’ health due to sleep deprivation and malnutrition. Although the workload may be overwhelming at times, I have noticed a trend that only worsens this condition. Ironically, many students (myself included) stress over stress. We may not be able to control the amount of work we receive in a given quarter, but there are ways to rid the murky clouds of anxiety in order to maintain healthy living habits.
First of all, it is important to distinguish between two different types of stress. Stress can either be a reaction to a stimulus or the harmful stimulus itself. As an example of the former, stress can be our motivation to get work done. For instance, although I may stress about having two midterms on the same day, it can also motivate me to study and not slack off. Other interpretations, however, antagonize stress as the stimulus that should be avoided due to its harmful nature[1]. For example, if I have a midterm each week of the quarter, the thought of how distressing studying will be can disorient me before I even start on any work. This type of stress is not only regressive, but harmful to the quality of the work.
As we roll into a new quarter, it is important to understand how different stimuli affect our individual bodies. This involves key time management. Any exam or paper will cause some level of stress but sleep deprivation, hyperventilation, and mental fatigue will not make them any easier. Although it is easier said than done, effective control over our tasks can be achieved with time. Personally, I have found that completing small tasks first is most helpful. Sending important e-mails and finishing a short article first gives a sense of progress that motivates me to continue crossing things off my list. Furthermore, identifying our values and long-term goals early in the quarter can guide the prioritization of our work. For instance, if a student looks forward to their Honors Thesis, they should improve their writing and research skills early since they are vital for scholarly and professional success. Although students do not have the same long-term goals, it is important to keep our driving force in the back of our mind.
When it comes to stress, remember, you’re not alone! Talk to friends, counselors, and/or family. I truly believe that they are the best medicine.
[1] Medical News Today
