Beatingstress-in the final crunch

by Mary Eileen O'Connor staff writer

It's crunch time, students.

There are only three weeks left in the semester and it is time to buckle down and write those papers and begin studying for finals.

Stress can come into play during this race to the finish line, affecting performance and tions. When we are stressed, our response is that of "fight or flight," helping us survive in a stressful situation. King points out, however, that when a student has a test or a paper, he or she "can't run away from it and can't fight it."

Although many students reach for coffee, Coke or Vivrin to help them get through a long night, King asleep.

Breathing techniques are one of the best stress relievers, King said. Unlike all that is going on around us, our breathing is something we do have control over. King said smooth, deep and slow breaths help a person to relax and focus. By being aware of our breathing, we can control our entire body.

How do people on campus deal with stress?

To help generally making life miserable. Students, unlike athletes, do not have coaches to give them pep talks

during this overwhelming time. Choose a quiet study place Give In to peer pressure

Learn to manage your time Skip classes May 3-6 in the comTake breaks Rely on cramming students battle stress during finals, counseling services is creating a "Stress-free Zone" from People often talk about being stressed, but there are specific signs that are used to de-

Neel Daphtary, a senior: Hit the punching bag, go running at night and play the guitar.

Understanding stress can be tricky. For a period of time, an increase in stress can actually increase performance. This is how people are motivated to finish a big research paper. At a certain point, however, too much stress can deter performance. "There is a different threshold for stress [for each person] before performance drops off," King said.

Stress is a function of the autonomic nervous system, which controls our body's involuntary func- said caffeine is not usually helpful. "Caffeine makes you work faster, not smarter," he said. For simple tasks, caffeine is fine, but for creative tasks, such as writing a paper, caffeine will not be helpful.

King said one of the best ways to manage stress is to simply take it in stride by breaking up projects. When someone is studying or writing a paper, he or she should set a timer to work for 45 minutes at a time. King said studies have shown that most people's attention span is 45 minutes. After that, the "brain gets tired," he said.

During each 15-minute break period, King said students can "goof off' and do something that feels good, such as taking a walk, listening to music or stretching. He warns that a person should not lie down in bed because it is too easy to fall soothing music, finger painting and food. King encourages students to "come in and play."

Recognize your limitations Hesitate to seek help m u t e r lounge. There will be chair mas- termine when a per-son is truly experi- 7 encing stress. Irri- J tability, extreme exhaustion and low motivation are some signs of stress. Other signs are difficulty eating or sleeping and frequent headaches. Dr. Andy King, director of counseling services, also labels stress as a period when "bad habits get worse." For example, someone who smokes feels the need to smoke more.

The Rooyman Center also has several informative pamphlets on coping with stress. Counselors are available during the week from 9 am until 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Tuesday if students need someone to listen.

Prolonged stress can result in illness, effecting the immune system and the heart. It is important to work through stress as soon as possible to avoid what King calls a "vicious cycle." Something as simple as having a good laugh, despite what seems like a mountainous pile of work, can prevent future problems.

OK students, now go out there and show them what you're made of.

Eileen Zebrowski, Associate Director, Cabrini Mission Corps: I take things one day ata time.

Conrad Crane, a freshman: I watch television and take anap.

Christine Abbott, a sophomore: I try to get off campus and clear my head.

- compiled by Shanna Fanelli and Janice Funk

Come and depressurize in the StressFree Zone, located in the lower level TV lounge of the Widener Center. Come for some stressrelief between 12 noon and 4 pm on Mon. May 3 through Thurs.May 6. A professional massage therapist will be provided (between 12 and 2 pm) as well as finger painting, Play-Doh, snacks, herbal tea, soothing music, aromatherapy,and materials to make your own stressball.