Page 6 - Inroads Dec 1, 2016

FeaturesPage 6 December 1, 2016

Dan’ s Depot

Wit and Wisdom for the IDS Traveler

Dan Harper, Associate Director

Tips for Stress Management

The close of the semester, the upcoming holidays, and all matter of change, can produce symptoms of stress
in our daily lives. Even good events like graduation can be stressful. Those good events are referred to as
eustress. Negative stressors are called distress. Take a moment to breathe deeply, exhale, and review the follow-
ing bits of information.

Characteristics of the Stress Resistant Person

• Open to Change • Sense of Control Over Events • Change as a Challenge, not a
• Feeling of Involvement • Enough Self-Esteem Threat
• Coping Skills • Sense of Belonging and
• Social Support
Commitment • Control Own Attitudes

What to Do When You Are Experiencing Stress

• Be aware you are under stress • Seek out activities you enjoy- • Develop a new hobby
• Talk to a friend Learn how to relax • Go to a funny movie
• Sit down and define your • Go off by yourself and con-
• Decide to look for positives in
goals a situation sider your priorities
• Work off your tensions • Spend time with friends
• Learn to accept what you • Slow down • Do not make too many
• Let yourself feel appropriately
cannot change changes in your life at the
• Avoid self-medication angry same time
• Get enough sleep • Have someone help you prob- • Learn how to tell people how
• Do something for others you really feel
• See a doctor if not feeling well lem–solve • If you tend to worry, worry
• Take one thing at a time • See a counselor if you feel creatively
• Try to see the situation from • Do some physical exercise
“stuck” or overwhelmed regularly
the other person’s point of • Listen to the tense spots in • Be nice to yourself
view
your body
• Learn to love and accept

yourself as a person

Think of other things that might work for you, and add them to your own list. Keep it somewhere for easy
reference. And don’t forget to breathe!