Stress

University can be a stressful time. There is so much to deal with; demanding classes and assignments, a new environment filled with new people, and possibly a complete change of your previous routine and activities. A little stress isn't a bad thing. However, when stress starts to disrupt your regular behaviour and personality, then it's time to take a deeper look.

You'll be able to tell stress is becoming an issue if you are having sleeping or eating problems, your use of drugs and alcohol increases, you have trouble concentrating or interacting in groups, you have signs of anxiety of panic, or you have uncontrollable feelings of anger. Being stressed can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase, your muscles to tense, your hormone levels to be disrupted, your metabolism to decrease, and even severe exhaustion. In order to keep these symptoms from disrupting your everyday, you should seek support in managing your stress.

Here are a few tips for dealing with stress:
Practice deep breathing and relaxing your muscles
Take a break from whatever it is you're doing
Call a friend or family member to talk about what is making you feel stressed
Prioritize your tasks in a list and focus only on those tasks that are the highest priority
Anticipate potentially stressful situations and prepare for them

For more information on stress and how to cope, browse the following links:

Canadian Mental Health Institution
The American Institute of Stress
Health Canada, Coping with Stress
U of A, Students and Stress