Walk through the halls of almost any building on campus and you will hear phrases such as, “I am so stressed out.” The terms “college student” and “stress” have almost become synonymous as students try to balance school, work and a social life all while not getting enough sleep and having a poor diet.
To help students deal with the stress accompanying exams and the holiday season, the Student Wellness Ambassadors at Northern Kentucky University will be presenting Stress Busters Nov. 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of Norse Commons.
“When students are feeling stressed in one area of their life, it can easily carry over to other areas,” said Sarah Schneider, Student Wellness Ambassador. “Stress can really make you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, but I don’t think people are aware of the damage it can do your body.”
Sara Hyland, senior speech major, knows the feeling. “I (will) sleep 15 hours a day,” said Hyland in regards to her stress-coping habits. Stress Busters will distribute information to students on ways to reduce stressors and increase the ability to cope with stressful situations. The organization will also be passing out snacks that provide energy. “Many people reach for junk food,” Schneider said. “We want to encourage students to pick power foods that will energize you instead.”
In addition to eating a balanced diet, the Wellness Ambassadors also encourage students to control who and what is surrounding them, organize themselves and exercise to take control of stressful situations.
According to the National Mental Health Association, the effects of stress include increased blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism and blood flow to the muscles.
“(Stress) makes me feel crazy sometimes,” said Greg Zink, junior history and criminal justice major. The Student Wellness Ambassadors are planning their next dorm event for Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the University Suites lobby. During this time, students will be able to make their own stress ball and receive a free massage from Campbell County Chiropractor.