Old Main 560
(360) 650-2993
pws@wwu.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Stress Management
No matter what we do, we can’t escape it! Not all stress is bad – a little bit of stress is actually healthy – but too much can affect your health.
Listen to your body! If you are experiencing health problems such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tightness, neck pain, back pain, insomnia, nausea, depression, or ulcers, see a health care practitioner.
To deal with everyday stress, try these techniques:
- Learn About Yourself. Take some time to think about what gets you stressed – the little things and the big things. Write them down. Identify the events that trigger your stress. You can learn to prepare yourself for these situations, or at least avoid them.
- Plan Ahead. Thinking about the work we have to do but not doing it makes most of us more stressed than getting the work done. Do yourself a favor, and get to it today.
- Get Moving. Exercise is not only one of the best ways to release stress; it’s also an important aid in its prevention. If you exercise regularly, chances are you’ll sleep better, have better concentration, and feel better, all of which help reduce stress. Pick a workout you’ll enjoy and start today.
- Be Realistic about Your Expectations and Abilities. None of us can be superman or superwoman 24 hours a day. Prioritize. Concentrate on what’s important. Know what you can and can’t take on. Learn to have the ability to say no!
- Take a Deep Breath. Deep breathing is extremely calming. When you are feeling stressed or tense (e.g. before an exam or class presentation) deep breathing works wonders to relax the body and mind. Meditation, guided imagery, and muscle relaxation also help!
