Seminar discusses balance, highlights stress signs

By Janaysha Brown/reporter

South students learned about red flags that indicate signs of stress and ways to restore peace and bring balance into their lives during a seminar Nov. 6.

South counselor Michele Mastick spoke about different ways to balance the pressures of trying to enjoy the college experience while completing coursework.

Balancing a school and work schedule while also balancing a social life creates overwhelming obstacles and situations for students, Mastick said.

“Students often find themselves overloaded with school, work, home and personal responsibilities,” she said.

Mastick talked about issues students face that prevent them from succeeding, like rising debt and living from paycheck to paycheck.

“Start saving up a fund for a rainy day,” she said. “Write out a budget that keeps track of everything you spend, it will pay off in the long run.”

Mastick also discussed how work habits affect physical health.

High stress levels can keep people from getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep increases fatigue, insomnia, depression and poor memory.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every single night.

Unhealthy cravings, weight loss or gain, eating too much or too little also hinder academic, professional and personal success.

Time management is a key component to professional and academic success that allows students to concentrate on what is most important, Mastick said. Adults have obligations like working, paying bills and taking care of family.

Mastick asked students to think about how they spend their time.

“For the amount of time you spend on social media, what could be a substitute for the allotted time?” Mastick asked.

Sustaining healthy relationships while in college, she said.

“Balance is not something you find,” she said. “It’s something you create.”