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What is Stress?

Stress is defined as a response to a demand that is placed upon you. Stress in a normal reaction when your brain recognizes a threat. When the threat is perceived, your body releases hormones that activate your “fight or flight” response. This fight or flight response is not limited to perceiving a threat, but in less severe cases, is triggered when we encounter unexpected events. For most people, stress is a negative experience.

How does it affect you?

Stress may cause you to have physiological, behavioral or even psychological effects.

• Physiological – hormone release triggers your fight or flight response. These hormones help you to either fight harder or run faster. They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. Stress has been tied to heart disease. Because of the increase in heart rate and blood pressure, prolonged stress increases the tension that is put on the arteries. It also affects your immune system which is why cold and flu illness usually show up during exams.
• Behavioral – it may cause you to be jumpy, excitable, or even irritable. The effects of stress may cause people to neglect exercise or proper nutrition, or overuse either the television or the computer.
• Psychological – the response to stress may decrease your ability to work or interact effectively with other people, and be less able to make good decisions. Stress has also been known to play a part in anxiety and depression.

What causes Stress? 

Stressors are anything that cause or increase stress. Below are a few examples:

• Academics – by far the biggest stressor for college students: the pressure of not failing.
• Dating – relationship problems may add to the pressure/stress of academics.
• Environment – certain environments can bring about stress such as discussing/viewing heated topics, slow moving traffic, trying to find a parking spot, etc.
• Extracurricular – some students may feel pressured to make extracurricular activities a part of their daily routine to the point where every hour of the day is accounted for.
• Peers – peer pressure is a major stressor, especially pressure that is negatively influenced.
• Time Management – one of the biggest stressors is not knowing how to plan and execute daily activities such as class, work, study time, extracurricular activities, and time alone.
• Parents – yes, even parents can become stressors. Pressure from parents to succeed is a great stressor.

Method For Identifying The Causes Of Stress

• Planning for stress
• Starting a stress journal may help you identify what your stressors are. Keeping a daily log of what caused your stress, how you felt (physically and emotionally), how you reacted and how you managed to get over it/make the situation better, may help you.
• Stress Management Strategies
• Learn how to say “NO!” – know your limits and do not compromise them. Taking on more than you can handle is not a good choice. It is ok if you don't do every single activity that your club, fraternity, sorority or your friends are doing.
• Attitude – it is human nature to want to freak out. Your mind is a powerful tool; use it in your favor. Thinking rationally can take you a long way.
• Laugh – Do something that you enjoy, take on a hobby, hang out with friends, and learn to balance your life. If you are feeling upset, express your feelings. Don't keep them to yourself because that will only add to your stress.
• Healthy eating – get the proper nutrition. Eat at least one hot-home cooked meal a day.
• Exercise – physical activities can help you in not only burning off calories, but burning off stress. Exercise helps release tension. Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least 3 times per week.
• Relaxing your mind and body – take deep breaths. Visualize success. Set some “alone time” where you do something you enjoy. Practice “mindfulness”, focusing your attention on the present moment.
• Sleep – at least 7 hours of sleep are needed in order for your brain and body to function at optimum level. Avoid taking naps for more than 1 hour.
• Healthy relationships – talk and hang out with friends. Find some you relate to and with whom you can share your problems with.
• Time management – get a planner, create a schedule, or even a to-do list. Map out what your quarter will look like. Once you have done that, do a schedule for each week. Then create a schedule for each day. Be specific. Mark down your class meeting times, study time for a specific subject, mealtimes, fun activities, and sleep.
• Organization – learn how to organize your notes, keep track of your assignments and note important due dates or date of exams. Establish your priorities for the day.
• Spirituality – spiritually is regarded as finding meaning in your life, the ability to connect with others.
• Determine your learning style – find out whether you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.
• Slow Down – take a deep breath and know your limits. Take your time so that you can ensure a well done job.
• Find a support system – whether it's your mom, sister, brother, friend or counselor, find someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Sometimes all we need is to vent off the frustration.
• Make changes in your surroundings – if you find it difficult to study in your dorm try moving to a place where there is no loud music, and brighter lights.
• Delegate responsibilities – when school or work becomes overwhelming, dividing up the work or responsibilities helps alleviate pressure and stress. 

Source: California Polytechnic University, Student Academic Services Website