By Eric Marchan/reporter
Stress is common to all students, and they can learn to cope with it, a NE counselor said during Dealing with Stress Oct. 19 on NE Campus.
“The consequences of stress can be deadly,” Marjeanna Burge said.
Stress has been proved to be the nation’s No. 1 killer, Burge said. It has been medically proved that stress contributes to big health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure and depression.
“The impact of stress will affect your body, your mind and your behavior,” she said.
As soon as stress starts affecting students, Burge said they should start trying to find positive ways to get rid of it.
“Everyone will have a different way to fight stress,” she said.
Burge said students can relax by wearing comfortable clothing, tensing and relaxing their muscles and doing a few stretches.
Visualization is another technique for relaxation. Burge said to sit or lie down in a comfortable position, picture being in a place where one would normally go to feel relaxed and then go back to normal activities.
During the presentation, Burge asked everyone in the room to participate in a technique she uses on a daily basis. She told the students to close their eyes and relax their arms and shoulders.
“Slowly breathe in through your nose. You should feel your stomach rising,” she said. “Exhale slowly through your mouth. Try to empty your lungs completely and let your stomach fall.”
Burge recommended students repeat these steps several times until they felt relaxed and practice the technique daily.
“I am definitely going to use this technique,” NE student Meaghan Osterling said. “It was a very good technique.”
NE student Scott Rhima agreed.
“This was definitely good advice,” he said. “I’m definitely going to keep this in mind.”
Unconventional ways to de-stress and release tension include laughing, doing yoga, finger painting, dancing in the rain or snow and playing games, Burge said.
“A youthful heart often keeps you young in spirit and mind even though your body is aging,” she said.
People should always try to laugh because there are many positive benefits, Burge said. It reduces blood pressure and heart rate, helps the body fight infection, conditions the abdominal muscles and helps move nutrients and oxygen to body tissues.
Burge also offered helpful tips for test taking: making flash cards, studying with a buddy, getting enough sleep and eating a good meal before test day. She also reminded students to relax and breathe.
“Getting to know all this information was very helpful,” NE student Mariela Rodriguez said. “She gave me good ideas that I can use. I’m glad I came.”
If people feel overwhelmed, they should find someone they trust to talk to about their situation, Burge said.
“Whatever you do, please don’t give up,” she said. “And remember, ‘this too shall pass.’”
