Term papers, projects and tests, oh my

As your alarm’s buzzer rips you from your blissful sleep you realize that you’ve overslept and are running late for your first final exam.

You tear through your cluttered room trying to find clothing, car keys and a scantron before rushing out the door. You’re feeling anxious and irritable and you already have a headache, but your day has just begun. The only thing keeping you from having a complete mental breakdown is the thought that finals, and all the stress that accompanies them, will all be over in a few hours.

According to Star Wharton, a wellness educator at UNLV, the student described in this scenario may be showing some symptoms of being under too much stress. She said that while symptoms vary from person to person, common symptoms include an upset stomach, headaches, anxiousness, irritability, exhaustion and sadness, among others.

“Your mind and body are connected, so if your mind is stressed, so is your body and physical symptoms and illnesses may occur,” Wharton said.  “If you cannot return to a relaxed state, negative physical effects begin to take place.”

Wharton said some negative physical effects consist of higher blood pressure, an increased heart rate and muscle tension. She said that these types of physical effects can take their toll over time and may lead to further mental or physical illnesses, which can affect other aspects of a student’s life.

She also said that other negative consequences may arise when a student does not deal with stress in a positive way.

“Using or misusing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling and risky sex are common dangerous traps for stressed college students,” Wharton said. “Losing your temper and picking fights is also common. If this continues and the stressors are not addressed addiction may occur and school, work and relationships will suffer.”

Wharton said some ways to deal with stress effectively include making to-do lists and setting achievable goals and objectives. Exercise is a good way to deal with stress as well.

“Physical activity increases blood flow and endorphins to your body, stimulating your senses and providing a sense of clarity in many people,” she said.

Jodi Truglio, a senior majoring in print journalism, already practices some of Wharton’s suggestions for dealing with stress effectively. “When I am under stress I go to the gym to work out, read or meet a friend for coffee or lunch,” Truglio said. “I think for the most part I have dealt with my stress in a good way.”

To relieve stress, Wharton said that students should first identify where their stress is coming from and then determine if they can control it. For example, she said we can’t control the economy, but we can control how we choose to spend our money. 

After determining where the stress comes from, students should figure out the best ways to deal with it. Wharton said that in order to learn what works best, students should try different things like exercising, playing music or painting.

The Rebel Wellness Zone will be having Stress Free Finals programs during study week to help students relieve extra stress.  On Dec. 2, the first program will be held at Pida Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second program will be on Dec. 3, in the Alumni Walk, also from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The programs consist of tables set up as “de-stress zones,” where students can take part in activities like watching funny YouTube clips, coloring and blowing bubbles.

“The objective is to provide quick and fun activities for you to give your mind and body a study break,” Wharton said.

Similar programs held in the past have been very successful. The Rebel Wellness Zone has the stress free events in the middle and end of a semester.  Wharton said they also have on-demand workshops and programs for specific groups.