Stress
stinks, relaxation works
By Sara Jamsa
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
As the semester comes to a close, only one thing separates students from the
shackles of college curriculum and the lazy days of sun and surf.
Hello finals and hello stress.
As students prepare to bid farewell to another semester at Cal State Long Beach,
some are also preparing themselves to cope with the stress that may develop before
and during finals.
Gene Ano, a clinical psychologist at Counseling and Psychological Services at
CSULB, said avoiding stress altogether is a nice thought but not a practical
one.
“ It’s impossible to be stress free, finals are going to provoke
stress,” Ano said. “A moderate amount of stress is good because it
motivates you to excel.”
So what can students do to avoid stress and the anxiety and fatigue that come
along with it?
“ Get adequate sleep, adequate rest and adequate nutrition,” Ano
said. “It might sound like common sense, but make time to eat and make
time to rest.”
Deep breathing, even for short periods of time, will allow the body to use oxygen
more effectively, which can help some of the physiological aspects of stress.
Also taking short breaks while studying are good methods to dealing with already
occurring stress Ano said. But really, he said, students have to find what works
for them.
“ I actually use relaxation techniques, like breathing and meditation,” said
Cassie Scott, a junior psychology major. “I try to take time to relax and
not think too hard about things.”
Scott swears by these relaxation methods explaining, “It’s one of
the only things that does work. I’m more focused when I sit down to do
my work.”
Good time management skills and not procrastinating are good preventative approaches
to reducing anticipated stress, Ano said. It is also a good idea for students
to reward themselves for a job well done. But do this after they get through
finals.
Another technique that may help students relieve stress is to realize they do
not have to be perfect. Ano said students should “be aware of limitations
and accept them.”
And if things get especially stressful and chaotic students should remember the
support of those in their social environment is the most helpful stress buffers,
Ano said.
Some students may take a more personal approach and indulge in something they
already know works for them.
Vanessa Perry, a senior journalism major, rides her bike at the beach when she
is stressed.
“ I love the beach and it’s relaxing,” Perry said.” It
reminds me of being a kid and being carefree.”
Other students are already taking Ano’s advisc by making sure they are
getting enough sleep and managing their time well.
Vijo Wilson, a graduate computer science major, does not skip out on the sleep
he knows he needs, and budgets his time to avoid stress. He also dedicates about
five hours to studying at stressful times.
Some of the techniques students actually use produce more stress, Ano said. Procrastinating
in every way, like doing anything and everything except what you need to be doing
contributes to greater stress.
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