Let Me Introduce You to Stress
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO STRESS by Deborah Augenbraun, PsyD
STRESS...it’s everywhere.听We all experience it. Depending on what is going on in our lives we have more or less of it at times.
Broadly defined, STRESS听is any change in our environment that we have to adapt to. For example, stress can be听associated with positive changes听such as听an achievement, starting college, moving to a new home, getting a job, starting a new relationship. Or to other changes such as academic assignments, taking tests, having a disagreement with a friend or loved one, being away from home, or having too much to do.
STRESS听is neither good nor bad. It can motivate us, help us focus our attention, or overcome challenges. Some people live on the high end of stress. As long as you have the resources to cope with your stressors you can stay in balance. It is when STRESS exceeds our RESOURCES听for coping听is where difficulties sometimes arise.
HOW听you can听COPE and听Get Back into Balance…..
STEP 1….RECOGNIZE听your signs….are you more emotional? physically tense? behavior changes? thinking more negatively?
STEP 2...PRESS听PAUSE…step back, literally take a breath, breathe in, breathe out. Go for a short walk around the block to clear your mind. Talk with someone who is a good listener. Get a drink of water. Take a moment and calm yourself. You Got This! You Can Do This!
STEP 3…FIGURE OUT what’s causing your stress. Can you do anything about it? If yes…
STEP 4..MAKE A PLAN for how to deal with your stressor. If you can’t do anything about it, practice Acceptance.
STEP 5…BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF What do you need right now, what would help you feel better (movement, rest, connection with others, nourishment, distraction, creativity, spirituality, quiet). Remember, “You got this!”
吃瓜头条 Counseling Services
Student Health & Wellness Center
(Connected to Newbury Hall)
181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 837.8690
Email: CounselingServices@wcsu.edu
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DISCLAIMER
The Counseling Services Web Site is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or psychological attention, diagnosis or face to face treatment. If you are concerned about your mental health, it is recommended that you consult a mental health provider immediately and do not wait for an electronic response from web page professionals or from the Counseling Services staff.