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Student Tribune

Today is National Stress Awareness Day

November 2nd is recognized as National Stress Awareness Day. This day was developed to increase public awareness and help people recognize, manage and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.

Stress can be everywhere, if you let it. Studying for exams when you’re not sure about the material, worrying about a family member’s medical condition, financial insecurities, and more.  According to NYU’s “Ask the Stresspert,” a bit of stress can be good for us, spurring us to listen up and take care. This healthy level of stressful activation can keep us safe, alert and productive.  Yet too much stress can be detrimental to our health. Prolonged stress, if left untreated, can lead to real physical problems such as ulcers, IBS, stroke, heart problems, pain and more. Life is full of challenges and that is not going away. Learning how to view things as challenges you can manage, rather than catastrophes, is a valuable tool to have.

Recommended Coping Mechanisms for Managing Stress:

The National Institute of Mental Health suggests the following:

  • Recognize the signs of your body’s response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed and having low energy.
  • Talk to your doctor or Health Care Provider. Get proper health care for existing or new health problems.
  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes per day of walking can help boost your mood and reduce stress.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore stress coping programs which may incorporate meditation, yoga, tai chi or other gentle exercises. For some stress-related conditions, these are approaches are used in addition to other forms of treatment. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy and relaxing activities.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done and what can wait, and learn to say no to new tasks if they are putting you into overload. Note what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
  • Stay connected with people who can provide emotional and other support. To reduce stress, ask for help from friends, family and community or religious organizations.

Table Event Today at Brighton Campus:

The Counseling Center, Disability Services and Health Services will have a table set up in front of our office (3-103) today from 10:30am-12:30pm to highlight National Stress Awareness Day today. Stop by our table to learn more about stress management techniques, take away some resources on stress management and get additional information on the services and support our office offers. 

Our office is committed to the emotional well-being of our students and we hope you find the resources helpful. If you have any questions, please reach out to our office at 585-292-2140. 

Davis, Anita
Counseling Center, Disability Services & Health Services
11/02/2022