Procrastination = stress. Study now
By: Ryan Sisung">Ryan Sisung
- Page 1 of 1
It piles on from everywhere -- the 20 pages of papers due in the same week, work obligations, internship applications, what to get for your little sister's birthday.
It seems to happen every semester. Whether you're taking 21 hours or 12, stress is inescapable.
For sophomore education major Michael G�mez, it's the end-of-semester papers and portfolios that push his stress buttons.
"Next week this time, I'm gonna be like, 'Oh, (snap)!'" G�mez said.
However, G�mez knows what keeps him from being overwhelmed.
"Working out and hanging out with friends," he said.
To help students recognize stressors in their lives and develop coping techniques, The University of Memphis' Center for Student Development is hosting a seminar Saturday.
Deadre Holmes, psychology intern with CSD, said everyone responds differently to stress.
For some, it's a headache or upset stomach, while for others it's irritability or trouble sleeping, she said.
Holmes said procrastination is a major culprit of stress, and that hitting the books now and actually using the study day (Thursday, April 22) will keep exam-week stress to a minimum.
According to the Web site for the Centre for Stress Management, an international training and consultancy group, stress occurs when pressure exceeds one's perceived ability to cope.
However, Holmes said, stress is not without its silver lining. It can motivate productivity.
"Without a certain amount of stress, we are not motivated to take action," she said.
Holmes offered some things people can do during the day to help curb stress.
Deep breathing exercises and short walks can have a relaxing effect, she said.
"Fifteen minutes of fresh air helps," Holmes said.
Holmes also emphasized the importance of a good diet and sleep schedule.
"People are animals. Eating and sleeping are vitally important to us," she said.
Sheree Jones, sophomore social work major, appreciates the benefits rest can bring.
"If you're really stressed, you can take a nap and you'll wake up refreshed," Jones said.
Holmes said that what works for one may not work for all, however. Stress management needs to be individualized.
The CSD's stress seminar is Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, in the University Center, Room 204. The free event provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch, and will feature a lecture by U of M psychologist Clairressa Goad on how to minimize stress and use it to your advantage. To RSVP, call 678-2995.