Page 284 - Keys To Community College Success

statusCHECK

How Effectively Do You Maintain Your Personal Wellness?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. I know that my health is a major factor in my success as a college student. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I am able to delay gratification when I know the reward is worth it. 1 2 3 4 5

3. I eat a healthy, balanced diet, and rarely overeat or undereat. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I make it a point to exercise regularly in some way. 1 2 3 4 5

5. I consistently get eight to nine hours of sleep per night. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I understand what constitutes sexual abuse, avoid abusive behaviors, and work to stay safe. 1 2 3 4 5
7. When I am feeling “out of it,” I use healthy methods to elevate my mood. 1 2 3 4 5

8. I know the ways in which addiction can affect my life. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I understand the potential consequences of substance use and make choices based on 1 2 3 4 5
that knowledge.
10. I understand the potential consequences of sexual activity and feel comfortable
with my choices. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.
REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT AND PRACTICE.

HOW CAN FOCUSING ON HEALTH
help you manage stress?

If you’re feeling high levels of stress—the physical or mental strain that occurs when
your body reacts to pressure—you’re not alone. Stress levels tend to be high among
college students, who are frequently overloaded with activities and responsibilities. The
greater your stress, the greater the toll it may take on your health and on your ability
to achieve your goals. However, this doesn’t mean you should try to get rid of all stress.
Moderate stress is a productive risk that rewards you with motivation to do well on
tests, finish assignments on time, and prepare for presentations. Key 10.1 shows that
stress can increase or decrease performance, depending on how much you experience.
Your ability to manage stress depends in part on your understanding of how it
affects you. Certain assessments look at your level of exposure to stressors. In the Get
Practical exercise later in this chapter, you will fill out an assessment that asks you how
often a series of experiences have recently been part of your life. With the information
it provides, you will have a better idea of how stressed you are and what factors cause
the most stress for you.

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