by Chad Harp
Staff Writer
Spring break is over, midterms are done, major papers and projects are ending, but just when things seem to be loosening up, then come finals week and the stress of grades.
Full schedules and same-day tests are a few of the beauties of being a college student. Some people have controlled these factors others have not. Either way, each dilemma brings a dose of stress and finals are usually the pinnacles.
Senior Jon Cruz said, “Many people take free time and turn it into leisure, when knowing it should be put into schoolwork. Sometimes schoolwork is looked at as routine, and the thinking it will get done later comes into play. Other times people just can’t seem to get off the couch, and they often can think of an abundance of excuses as to why they cannot get their work done, when they know they can and should. This procrastination just adds to stress.”
Junior Bill Baldry agreed with Cruz, saying he would sit down to do their necessary work, when another task will come to mind and suddenly seem more important. He used the example of starting to do his homework in a bedroom, they notice the bed needs to be made. So he puts down his homework, makes the bed and then notices he need to fold some clothes. While putting clothes away, he realizes all the drawers need to be straightened up. While straightening up, he notices the bathroom is a mess, also. After accomplishing so much, he realizes his main priority, homework, has not been touched. He did himself a favor by getting other things done, but in actuality he did a disservice by doing all the other chores and ignoring the original priority.
The University of Indiana (UI) Health Center reports that people need to know what stress is. Its definition states that stress is the body’s non-specific response to any demand made on it. It provides the means to express talents and energies to pursue happiness.
Some indicators of stress are irritability, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, anxiety, trembling, insomnia, headaches and indigestion. Recognizing these symptoms is important because stress is a process that builds and needs to be dealt with, but dealt with in the right way.
Many people make the mistake of using substances to deal with stress. Cigarettes, which are often used to relieve stress, actually heighten stress levels. UI reports that cigarettes, caffeine, sugar, drugs and alcohol all add to stress rather than put an end to it.
According to the University of Toronto, the best way to deal with stress is to take charge of one’s life. A person who recognizes his strengths and weaknesses and who is realistic in what he does has a much more relaxed outlook on life. Also, maintaining good physical health by having a regular exercise routine, getting sufficient sleep and eating properly will play a large part in dealing with life’s twists and turns.
