First Author: Marisa Vinson

Second Author: Ashlee Roberts

 Stress Management for Freshman Students

 "It's not what happens to you that matters, it's how you take it"

- Hans Selye

What is stress?

Stress is the way that a person's body acts in a time of demand.  Chemicals are released into the blood when people are feeling "stressed out".

Types of Stress:

Eustress: the "positive" stress

Distress: the "negative" stress

Different types of School related Stress(Stressors):

1. Unrealistic Expectations: Grades, Exams, Assignments, Deadlines

2. Social Pressure: Changes in eating and sleeping habits

3. Not Enough Money: Working during school, not having enough time for study or assignments

4. Relationships: Whether it be with a boyfriend/girlfriend or even roommate problems

5. Finals, Finals, Finals!!!

How to manage school related stress:

 1. Manage your time wisely: Develop time management skills and give yourself enough time for your studies.  Set up a schedule for when you're going to study and for how long.^[1]

2. Get Organized: Keep up with assignments and exam days in a planner.  Clear  your mind of mental clutter.  Have a good system of note taking.^[2]

3. Get Enough Sleep: If you want to perform well in class and on tests, getting enough sleep is essential.  Plan power naps into your day.^[3]

4. Know your limits: Don't overload yourself with tasks.  Use your time management skills and know what you can handle and what you can't.

5. Take care of your body: Healthy eating will fuel your mind and body.  Well nourished bodies always handle stress better. ^[4]

6. Cope with Stress: Develop positive strategies for coping and learn how to use them when needed.

Red Flag for Stress = EXAMS!

One major problem freshman students face in college are exams.  One, because they are reasonably different than high school exams and two, because they are somewhat more difficult.

Here are some ways to help you avoid stress when it comes to exams:

***BEFORE THE EXAM***

1. Know the format and grading criteria

2. Study at least a week in advance.  Study a little bit everyday leading up to the exam.  Avoid all nighters, and cramming right before the exam.

3. Form a study group.

4. Set aside time to relax before the exam, you do not want to go straight from studying to taking the exam. 

***DURING THE EXAM***

1. Sit as far away from other people or distractions as possible.

2. Answer the easier questions first.

3. For true/false questions look for the words "always" or "never".  These are probably not the correct answer.

4. For essay questions: develop a brief outline and brainstorm before you begin writing

NO TIME TO STRESS: TIME MANAGEMENT VIDEO

In College Students, Stress is the biggest Health Issue students are affected by!!^[5]

 Managing stress effectively is very important for freshman college students to understand.  College is different from high school and there are a lot of stressful changes you need to be ready to handle and cope with.  Some students cope with stress by eating, drinking or even smoking too much.  And some students just ignore it and don't deal with it in any way.  Poor stress management has is disadvantages.  For example, fatigue, sleep disturbances, etc.  It also has it's long term consequences like a weakening immune system and increased development of diseases.  Stress management is essential for freshman college students!! ^[6]