Five minutes before the big exam, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and the butterflies are hitting so hard they might explode out of your stomach. Anxiety has set in, and stress is working double time to make life miserable.
As likely as dodging raindrops during a torrential downpour, it is impossible to avoid every stressful pressure in life.
"When you're stressed, you're more in a crisis mode, trying to be the best you can," said Anna Peryea, coordinator at Wellness Education Services. "You lose track of eating, focusing only on the bare essentials."
At the onslaught of stress, a situation can snowball, creating feelings of irritability, depression, chronic worrying, low self-esteem and withdrawal, according to UB's counseling center. Stress can result in fatigue, restlessness and increased muscle tension, among other physical ailments. Additionally, stress instigates negative behavior and can lead to increased mistakes, drinking and smoking.
While a little stress can be positive reinforcement, when it begins to build up into a tumultuous sea of worrying it becomes an issue, according to Amana Carvalho, a psychologist with Counseling Services.
"Stress is any pressure or strain on a system," Carvalho said. "Stress can be any change you have, from danger, to falling love, to long distance relationships. It is not necessarily a bad thing, and can energize and motivate, but it can be debilitating."
From daily event stressors such as income concerns, time management issues or an unpleasant job, students are faced with numerous daily stressors, some more potent than others. Dealing with one aspect of stress can be difficult, but when they begin to stack up, it can be difficult for even the calmest person not to feel pressure.
"When I have a lot of tests in a week, I really don't think about it. I try to, but when they starting adding up, it's hard," said Kyle Zawacki, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.
However, before you throw in the towel, take a step back instead and focus on what is most important - you.
"Do some self talk," said Euna Oh, a counseling psychologist with Counseling Services. "I'm doing this because I want to take care of myself. I deserve this time for me."
Getting away is one of the most beneficial and effective methods of stress management, even if it is only for five minutes. Breaking free from a jail cell dorm room to bask in the sun and fresh air can make all of the difference in the world, Peryea said.
"I like to unplug a little bit and get away from the computer screen, cell phone, and go somewhere outside of here," Peryea said. "I like to go out to the country and spend some time with my family and just spend some peaceful time where everything is not pressing down on you."
For another stress buster, get moving, and try yoga or meditation activities offered in Richmond Quadrangle in the Ellicott complex, or aerobics and Pilates at Clark Hall on South Campus. Pedro Sotelo, a WES program coordinator, said when he gets stressed he uses exercise as his weapon.
"For me, I work out a lot, so it's a great way to reduce stress and it makes you feel good," he said. "I know not everyone likes to exercise. If it's too structured, join a club. It gets your mind off of studying and you're doing something productive."
Time management can also prevent stress from occurring down the road, said Christine Calmus, assistant director of the Psychological Services Center (PSC).
"I take time for myself, spend time with my friends and take time to use time management," she said.
For stress management resources on campus, check out WES's relaxation oasis in 114 Student Union, or sign up in 168 Park Hall for a relaxation clinic, offered the first Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the cost of $15 per session. If stress starts to become more than a minor nuisance, make an appointment with Counseling Services at 120 Richmond.
"You have to be able to ask for help before you go under," Peryea said. "People around you care, and help you if they can."
