TR students learn to let go of college-related stressors

By Courtney Chipman/reporter

During the Stress Management seminar Nov. 20, a Trinity River licensed professional counselor told students that stress is a normal part of life that helps people learn and grow.

Richard Orona, instructor of Life Span Growth and Development, explained what stress is, what triggers it and how to manage it. He said that changing the effect stress has on a person usually involves changing one’s outlook.

“Stress is caused by things we can control, but also by things we cannot,” he said.

One way to manage stress is by what Orona described as “mindfulness meditation.”

This is a “challenging and effective way to do something for yourself in a way that only you can do,” he said.

It is a way of being fully in your life, recognizing the richness and possibility within daily routines, times of difficulty and pain and times of joy and ease.”

Body and personal health, mental functioning and one’s overall societal/relational functioning are all consequences of stress, the psychology instructor said.

“Stress can cause significant problems,” he said.

Orona said that is why he advises students to look out for stress triggers and prepare for managing them in the way deemed necessary.