New ways for students to manage stress and keep active

By Carleen Schmidt

Start moving to eliminate that college stress.

“The very simple secret is the best way to deal with stress is to move your body,” said Valerie Geen, mind and wellness advisor at Loyalist College.

The majority of students face significant amounts of stress during college. Unfortunately eliminating that stress always seems too difficult because students’ schedules are so busy they don’t have time to find a stress reliever that works.

However moving your body is not something you need to take time out of your busy life to do. Being physically active does not mean you have to go to the gym, for some that is a great option but for others is can be uncomfortable.

“Being physically active simply means moving, walking, playing wii, biking, or dancing – in your room if you want – you just need to be moving every day; enough to create a light sweat,” said Geen.

Geen suggests you choose an activity that is fun so that it is not a chore.

“I usually deal with stress by exercising or running and alcohol helps sometimes too,” said Emily Turnbull, a student studying to be a civil engineering technician.

Stress is a natural feeling designed to help you cope in challenging situations. In small amounts it’s good because it pushes you to work hard but too much stress can lead to physical and psychological problems such as depression or anxiety, according to the National Health Services.

“I have 350-400 student appointments each year, which doesn’t include students struggling with stress who choose see our two counselors or those you meet with learning skill advisors in the disability office,” said Geen.

“I use many resources and tools depending on the particular student. I listen to their interests and likes to come up with an activity or method that best suits them,” said Geen.

A person spends inordinate amounts of time thinking thoughts about their situation without ever actually doing anything. Our brain thoughts tend to make us think we are doing something about a difficulty just by thinking about it, said Geen.

“If you have heard yourself say the same thing or think the same thought at least three times, it’s time to stop talking and move your body and learn to quiet your mind so you can have a holiday from your thoughts,” said Geen.

“Beer. I usually have a beer when I am stressed out and trying to work on homework, it relaxes me so I can concentrate on what I am doing,” said Dustin Mahoney, civil engineering technician student.

To relieve stress, students need to learn to relax. That’s where Geen comes in. She teaches relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, mind in the feet and heart soother. She helps teach your mind to relax which helps you reduce or eliminate your stress.

According to Geen food and activity have an enormous impact on how you feel and think.

“Taking time to make a decent meal or to dance like crazy for 10-15 minutes at the end of every day is going to make a difference in your marks, your relationships, how you feel about yourself and how you look,” said Geen.

“A nice night to myself works best for me. It’s always different but sometimes just relaxing to a favourite show or movie and making a nice home cooked meal can remind me that I’m still in control and that whatever is stressing me out, I can overcome,” said Candace Jackson, pre-health student.

Stress can be cause by a number of things, finances, living situation, relationships and workload but if you move your body and eat right, not only can it help you deal with your present stress but it is also the best preventative, said Geen.

The first signs of stress are sleep problems, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability or dizziness. If you are experiencing any of these perhaps you should try the tips above or make an appointment with Geen.

You can book an appointment at the Student Success Hub in room 2H4 or by calling 613-969-1913 ext. 2519.