How to Cope with Stress

1. How to Cope with Stress the HEALTHY way!

2. 1. Don’t let stress take over! • Some stress is good – it can keep you motivated and focused. But too much stress can negatively affect you. • Sometimes people try to deal with stress by doing things that make it worse – like using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

3. 2. Identify your stressors • Some stressors might include: • Being busy • Not getting enough sleep • Pressure from school or work • Family problems • Trouble with friends or a boyfriend/girlfriend • Struggles with personal identity • Financial struggles

4. 3. Recognize the signs of stress. • Some signs of too much stress include: • Feeling anxious, nervous or tired • Difficulty concentrating • Forgetfulness • Getting sick more than usual • Feeling depressed or overwhelmed

5. 4. Identify what you can control – and what you can’t. • Some things that cause stress are easy to change • Ask yourself: Is this important to me? • If it’s not important – forget about it! • Ask yourself: Can I control this? • If you can’t control it, why worry? • Can you change the situation somehow so that you can control it?

6. 5. Slow down and take time for yourself! • Having too much to do is a huge cause of stress. • Consider cutting things out of your schedule • Eliminate “time zappers” like Facebook/Twitter • Be okay with saying “no” • Do things that you enjoy and help you relax • Spend some time by yourself

7. 6. Get stress-free with UHC! • The University Health Center has a lot of FREE resources that can help you learn to cope with your stress. • Relaxation training • Wellness Coaching • Meditation • Referrals for Mental Health/Counseling Center (fees may apply)

8. Want more information or to make an appointment? • Website: http://www.health.umd.edu/wellness • Email: mcohen@health.umd.edu • Phone: 301.314.1493 • Drop in: Health Promotion – Ground floor of the University Health Center