Stress appears to be one of the most hotly contested health topics for everyone. It is believed to be a major work hazard but those who complain are still not treated with complete seriousness. For many women it can take its toll. Although some stress is unavoidable, when it becomes excessive beyond the person's control, a problem may be developing.

Everyone experiences some stress. It is a psychological and physical mechanism - a reaction to pressure. It can last for both short and long periods of time.

Coping with stress is important in getting through day to day life. For students, the amount of studies and the time required to juggle the daily activities can be demanding. For new students, these combined with new settings, relationships and the move to independence can appear overwhelming at times.

There is a seemingly endless supply of "experts", book and magazine articles suggesting everything from herbal remedies to changing careers. However, if you want to cope and thrive, there are no instant answers and you just have to learn what works the best for you.

Recognise The Signs Of Stress

While these vary, common symptoms are:
  headaches
  stomach complaints
  problems in interacting with others
  disrupted sleep patterns
  unusual behaviour such as temper tantrums, unexplained crying fits, and outbursts of anger

Tips On How To Cope With Stress

Try to eliminate stressful situations.
Try to avoid noisy venues, traffic jams and people you are not too fond of. While this is not always possible, reducing the frequency of such encounters can help. Avoid leaving assignments until the night before deadline day. Try budgeting your money in a planned manner to avoid the panic on rent day.

Put things in perspective.
While there are things beyond your control, there are things you can change (such as your choice of friends and how you spend your time and money).

Be assertive.
Prioritise your activities and your time. Say no to people and requests that are too demanding. Don't feel pressured into doing something you don't want to do.

REMEMBER: Try not to give into guilt. The only person you "owe" is yourself.

Instant Relaxer
No matter where you are, be it on the bus, in the shops, sitting in your lecture . . .

1 - STOP what you are doing.
2 - Press your shoulders down.
3 - Take 2 or 3 slightly slower, slightly deeper out-breaths while just letting the in-breaths happen on their own.
4 - Continue doing what you were doing, but just do it at a slower pace.