Stress

Are you stressed? Life events such as the death of a close family member, divorce, and marriage are among the things that cause us the most stress. But even things such as holidays, financial issues, and trouble with school or the boss can cause stress. If stress builds up, it can impact your health as well as your emotional well being.

Some Tips To Help You Deal With Stress

If a task seems overwhelming, break it up into smaller parts and focus on one part at a time.
Put things into perspective. Don’t let worry cause little things to feel bigger than they are.
Talk to a friend or family member you trust.
Prioritize. Do the important things first. If you’re overloaded with work, do the necessary things first.
Realize that you are human. You can’t possibly do it all – something has to give. Remind yourself that it’s okay to say “no”.
There are things we can’t control, such as the weather, the future, and other people. Take a deep breath and focus on what you can control.
Exercise regularly. This is a great way to reduce stress.
Eat right and get enough sleep.
Relax. Listen to soothing music, take a bath, or do breathing exercises.
Write it down. Writing about your frustration in a journal can help to relieve stress and may help you to find solutions to problems.
Do something you find enjoyable, such going to a movie, shopping with a friend, or playing sports.

Where To Get Help

Help may be as close as a friend, a close family member, or a spouse. However, if you think that you or someone you know may be under more stress than just dealing with a passing difficulty, it may be helpful to talk with your doctor, spiritual advisor, or employee assistance professional where you work. They may suggest you visit with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other qualified counselor.

Things to consider when talking with a counselor:

List the things in your life that cause tension and stress.
How does this tension and stress affect you, your family, school, and your job?
Can you tell if the tension and stress in your life is short or long term?
Do you have a support system of friends/family that will help you make positive changes?
What are your biggest obstacles to reducing stress in your life?
What are you willing to change or give up for a less tension-filled and stressful life?
What have you already tried that didn’t work for you?
If you don’t have control of a situation, can you accept that and get on with your life?

More Information

Baruch Counseling Center
137 East 25th Street (Annex building)
Room 927
Phone: (646) 312-2155
E-mail: counseling@baruch.cuny.edu.

For additional information or referrals for local services, contact your local mental health association, or:

National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org

American Institute of Stress
www.stress.org