 |
Stress Management Among Students In Universities
Author: Anna Hart  | Posted: 27-04-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 59 | Rating: (65)  (?) 
At what age do students have the greatest stress? Young parents might say preschoolers have the greatest stress. They are leaving their parents for the first time, and have many reasons to be afraid. Older parents say middle school students have the most stress, having just entered adolescence. Still others will cite secondary school as the time of greatest stress. Most agree, however, that the stresses of university life are very great.
Stress management among students in universities is a hit-or-miss matter. Some universities schedule optional stress management classes, but students often lack the time to attend. If they have the time, they lack interest.
Stress Management Keys
Specific keys will open the door to better stress management among students in universities. Some of those keys are being used, but others are lost or neglected. Without them, stress management is limited for the students. We will not attempt to list here every key, or to put them in any given order. Rather, we would like to suggest stress management keys that may be lost in the rubble of today's society.
1. Clear definitions: Effective stress management among students requires clear definitions of words such as "stressor," "stress," "eustress," and "distress."
Students who do not understand clearly what stress is cannot be expected to succeed at stress management. They may be trying to manage stressors, thinking they are managing stress. The outcome may very well be increased stress rather than stress management.
Stress management among students in universities can begin only after they understand that the extra demands made upon them are stressors, not stress. They then must understand that their response to those demands constitutes stress. Finally, if they are to get a grasp on practical stress management, they will need to know that there are two kinds of stress. One, eustress, is beneficial. The other, distress, is detrimental.
Students who understand these concepts, and embrace them, have unlocked the first door leading to stress management.
2. Action Plan: With a firm understanding of the definitions, students are ready to formulate a stress management action plan. They are ready for the proverbial locking of the barn door to prevent the horse's escape.
Armed with the knowledge that stress is the response to stressors, students can learn to control that response. They can determine to take specific, proactive steps to prepare for stressors. They can, in a sense, ambush the stressors as a step of stress management.
3. Stressor Identification: An important part of the stress management ambush is to learn to identify the enemy. A focused tertiary student will see stressors and know them for what they are. Every university student has stressors. All of us have unusual demands made on us. The key to stress management is to identify those demands as stressors.
In universities and colleges, stressors take the form of unaccustomed activities. Sharing a room with a stranger makes demands on a student. A new form of study is demanding. Financial resources and potentially new dating standards can be stressors.
Whether students are in Italy or Iowa, they are free of the constraints of home, and that freedom is a stressor. Freedom makes unusual demands on one who has not had it in fullness.
All of these and about 2000 more are stressors that a student must identify in order to engage in stress management.
4. Turning Distress into Eustress: Another key that helps unlock the doors to stress management is that of turning distress into eustress. Students often act as victims of their stressors. They believe they can do nothing but suffer. Stress management requires that they learn to turn a potentially negative response to stressors into a positive response.
Eustress, the beneficial stress, is what carries an excited, happy couple through the whirlwind of preparation for a large wedding. From the moment of the proposal, the couple may be surrounded by stressors. Extra demands, unusual demands are being made on them. Yet they are not depressed. The demands do not weigh heavily on them. They embrace them, and respond with smiles. They accept the challenge of getting everything done well and on time because they choose to accept it that way.
The same type of response can be enlisted on other occasions that call for stress management. Much of what students view as negative stress can be turned around, energizing them to excel.
Is this a false, rosy-tinted view of stress management? Not at all. Does this negate principles such as deep breathing, exercise, healthy diet, and regular sleep? No. As we said, this is not an attempt to provide every key to stress management. It is an effort to look at keys that are being neglected.
Stress management among students in universities can be stripped of many programs, drugs, and therapies if these keys are used well.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/stress-management-among-students-in-universities-138371.html
About the Author:© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart, a career educator and writer, has worked in U.S. schools and New Zealand colleges. From that perspective, she invites you to read more of her articles about student stress management at http://www.stressmanagementblog.com. Also on that site, Anna addresses issues of stress management among students of younger ages. If you would like more information on student stress management at various grade levels, you won't want to miss Anna's insights.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means to drive traffic to your website and promote yourself and your business. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Ancient Health Science: How Do T'ai Chi and Qigong Work?
By: Bill Douglas | 15/10/2005 | Health
Modern scientific research is now catching up the ancient health sciences of Tai Chi & Qigong.
Stress and Anxiety Management
By: Ronald Yip | 07/02/2006 | Advice
Before you feel completely burnout, take time out to empty your mind. Pick up and round up useful memories and discard those damaging emotions and negative thoughts.
Breathing: The Real Secret To Stress Relief
By: Abbas Abedi | 24/02/2006 | Advice
Proper breathing contains the power to relieve stress, remove negativity, increase energy or even relax and meditate. With proper use of the breath all of this is easily attainable.
Are you Time Poverished?
By: Tracey Crockett | 31/03/2006 | Home Improvement
Karen is a working mother who managed to land an exciting, fulfilling job which requires international travel. She's seeing parts of the world that she never dreamed of visiting, and she has found her work for a non-profit organization is more rewarding than any other job she's had.
And yet, while she wouldn't trade her position for any other job in the world, Karen has come to the realization that she is now hopelessly time poverished. There just doesn't seem to be enough time to talk with her daughter, touch base with her mom, pay bills, wait for the cable repair man--and the rest of the 101 things she needs to do each week.
Mike has built an impressive career as the head of a statewide service organization. He has one child left at home and he wants to devote all the attention he can to her. Yet, he struggles each day balancing the demands of work and home. Mike is far from alone in his predicament.
The average working parent now has to spend six and a half hours more on the job each week than the typical working parent did 30 years ago. Add it all up, and you might be working six weeks more each year than your parents did. In addition, a survey conducted by Jupiter Research found that the average consumer now spends about 14 hours a week online for shopping, bill paying, and other chores.
Interestingly enough, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has concluded that the average 35 to 44-year-old American has only a little more than four hours a day for recreational activities. Much of the rest of his or her time is devoted to work and child care. Research indicates that both men and women are being affected by the 21st century time crunch. As a result, it wouldn't be at all surprising if you came to the conclusion that you are time-poor.
If you're wondering whether you are just a little short on time or truly time poverished, ask yourself the following questions:
o Do I feel as if I'm falling short when it comes to fulfilling my obligations to my family? Are my spouse and/or children being shortchanged?
o Am I getting less than seven hours of sleep each night--even though I know I need as much sleep as I can get to be truly effective at my job? Do I feel as if I'm constantly on the verge of total exhaustion?
o Do I continually eat my meals on the run--and gain weight as a result--because I simply don't have the time to cook a nutritious meal and sit down to enjoy it?
o Do I have to overdose on caffeine each day in order to maintain my crazy schedule? Do I feel jittery as a result?
If you answered "yes" to any of the preceding questions, you can consider yourself time poverished.
Once you accept the idea that you are, indeed, woefully short on time, what can you do about it? Psychology experts say the key is to prioritize. Determine what you absolutely have to do yourself each day. Then, determine if there are certain things you can "farm out." For instance, it might be well worth your while to hire a lifestyle management company to handle some time-consuming professional duties, such as meeting and event planning, the relocation of your facilities, or research for your business' target market. Since lifestyle management companies are so much more than an errand service, they can provide you with the professional support necessary to help your business grow and thrive.
Meanwhile, a lifestyle management company can ease your time crunch at home by waiting for the appliance repairman for you, connecting you to a pre-screened vendor, or house-sitting while awaiting a furniture delivery. You can use their services to connect with a landscaper, painter, insurance agent, and the like, relieving your stress level and saving you some precious time.
It all comes down to this: instead of trying to be as busy as you can possibly be, think about the results of all of your activity. You may have heard of the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule. According to this principle, 80 percent of unfocused effort yields 20 percent of results. In contrast, 80 percent of results are accomplished with only 20 percent of focused effort. By focusing your time and energy, you should be able to achieve your goals--personally and professionally.
How to Do More, Have More and Be More
By: Annett Tate | 25/05/2006 | Stress Management
Do you seem to be forever busy, racing around, keeping up, chasing after opportunities, money and elusive people and yet are still not getting enough of what you want? Here's a simple trick to achieving more.
Zero-sum Games
By: A Raymond Randall | 10/06/2006 | Stress Management
Self-serving motivation instigates zero-sum behavior. Anyone seeking their own achievement or rank at all costs maneuvers each event with single-minded purpose.
4 Simple Yet Effective Stress and Anxiety Relief Ways To Get Rid Of Emotional Attachment
By: Kam Meng Mok | 09/08/2006 | Non-Fiction
4 simple and step by step ways to get rid of emotional attachment for stress and anxiety relief.
Forgiveness: A Tool For Anger Management
By: Dr Tony Fiore | 31/08/2006 | Self Help
Thirty-two year old Elizabeth cried during her anger management class as she related how one year ago her 19-month-old girl was permanently brain-damaged as the result of medical error at the hospital in which she was delivered.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can celestial seasoning sleepytime tea help with anxiety
By: momoffour | 30-10-2008
can celestial seasoning sleepytime tea help with anxiety. i need something natural with no side affects. I feel my nerves shaking inside and need something. Is all I want to do is sleep, I have no energy from my anxiety but am terrified of prescription antidepressants. Thanks for any advice.
Lamictal and sleep
By: gofobroke | 11-10-2008
Lamictal and sleep.Do most people find Lamictal stimulating,causing drowsiness or no difference?
12 year old failing school appropriate punishment
By: Erin | 09-10-2008
My 12 year old daughter is failing school. I am affraid to punish her due to the fact that she suffers from anxiety, depression and ibs. Mental problems run in the family. My brother commited suicide 6 years ago...and about a year ago my daughter threatened to kill herself.??? She is now being rude and not listening to teachers in school.
Does Cymbalta cause more anxiety
By: jinginjan | 19-08-2008
Does Cymbalta cause more anxiety? I am on 30 mg my doc wants to raise it to 60 mg. My OCD is worse on Cymbalta but i am calmer i dont understand Please help?
Anxiety
By: Jazzy | 07-07-2008
I have anxiety and I want to take the natural way out of this what are some thoughts of magnesium pills?
Pre-tense for occasional nervous tension
By: Ravin | 19-06-2008
Has any one heard of Pre-Tense ? Is it worth taking for occasional nervous tension ?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Self Help Articles
Planning on Growing Your Own Vegetables - Where to Start?
By: Owen Chubb | 17/11/2008
It does seem amazing how quickly DIY gardening appears to have been overtaken by GIY (grow it yourself) gardening! Not so long ago, growing your own vegetables, was seen by many to be a popular past time for a few old gardeners who were lucky to own/have a large site or allotment.
Packrat Syndrome: Do You or Someone You Love Have Any of These Symptoms?
By: Joesph Merton | 16/11/2008
Are you wondering if you or someone you know is a packrat? Read this article and find out.
Find Happiness Helping Others
By: Doug Hart | 16/11/2008
We must think beyond ourselves in order to find true happiness – how can we help others in big way? There are many organizations that make it really easy to help people, here are a few. Join me in giving to others and it will help you to find true happiness, I promise!
Law of Abundance - Keep it Simple and Prosper
By: Timothy Aaron Whiston | 16/11/2008
The law of abundance is a simple concept to grasp and use. And this article will help you live a more abundant, prosperous life in every way.
Use the Law of Attraction in 3 Easy Steps!
By: Timothy Aaron Whiston | 16/11/2008
Start using the law of attraction right now with these three simple steps. Easily bring more success and happiness into your life starting right away. Use The Law Of Attraction - Step 1. Step one to using the law of attraction is to get as happy as possible right here, and right now.
Combining EFT With Other Healing Processes
By: StewartRobertson | 15/11/2008
One of EFT's most useful aspects is its flexibility in working with other energy treatments.
Many clinicians' efforts are to focus their attention on the problem while balancing or remove an obstruction to the body's energy system. This influences them to combine EFT with other procedures. Other kinds of healing bring...
Clinical Hypnosis
By: Daniel Galant | 15/11/2008
Clinical Hypnosis is a procedure in which an individual is taught to enter a state of heightened focus, relaxation and suggestibility. This hypnotic trance state becomes the basis for alleviating or resolving medical and psychological symptoms, as well as enhancing performance and creativity. However, for many people hypnosis conjures up...
EFT Advantages
By: StewartRobertson | 14/11/2008
If you are looking for some medical treatment and you found out that those medical cures were just so expensive that you cannot really afford it, the result would be finding an alternative remedy or treatment for the sickness.
Not every one of us has the strength to survive a tragic...
More from Anna Hart
Bathroom Accessories In Lavender
By: Anna Hart | 08/07/2007 | Home Improvement
Bathroom accessories can make or break a bathroom's decor. Bathroom accessories come in many styles. Bathroom accessories come in many colors. The careful shopper will take time to choose both the right style and the right color.
Bathroom accessories in lavender are an example. Lavender bathroom accessories can be had in...
Small Bathroom Lighting
By: Anna Hart | 28/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Small bathrooms might be those added under a stairway or in a spare closet. They might be for children, adults, or both. A small bathroom might be a guest powder room off the foyer or living room. One thing they have in common is that they are - small. Another...
Solar Home - Conserving Pv Power
By: Anna Hart | 28/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Solar homes. Many people talk about them, although few in the U.S. do more than talk. They are said to reduce utility bills. Some say a solar home cuts utility bills drastically. Some are able to sell excess power back to the power grid. Savings are not automatic, however. Steps...
Solar Energy Risks To Health
By: Anna Hart | 23/06/2007 | Computers
Solar energy is a potential source of free electricity and water heating. It offers the power to enjoy electrical power in remote areas of the world. It seems to offer health and safety along with power, but does it?
Solar energy health risks are seldom mentioned. That may be partially due...
Small Bathroom - Decorating Tips
By: Anna Hart | 15/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Small bathrooms have their own challenges when it comes to decorating. The design layout for a small bathroom is the first challenge. Space is limited, so you cannot use it lavishly. Very small bathroom design calls for small furnishings, and few of them.
Small bathrooms demand decorating tips that differ from...
Heart Attack - How Aspirin Helps
By: Anna Hart | 14/06/2007 | Medicine
If you or a loved one has heart disease, heart attack prevention and treatment are very important subjects. Your physician may have recommended taking a low dose aspirin each day to avoid heart attack. You may have heard that you can increase your chances of survival during a heart attack...
Acid Reflux Recipes
By: Anna Hart | 14/06/2007 | Medicine
When acid reflux becomes a regular part of life, the sufferer is commonly advised to change his or her diet. Try to avoid citrus, Try to avoid acids. See if changes make it better. So you try. You experiment. And all the time, you're wishing there were acid reflux cure...
Bathroom Furniture For An Rv
By: Anna Hart | 12/06/2007 | Travel
Life in an RV can be wonderful or frustrating, depending on what you make it. The author lived full-time in an RV for two years, working on a commissioned book. Actually, she lived in two RVs, one after the other. The first was a 20' motorhome. Those of us who...
|
|
Self Improvement 
