Compiled by Dr. Pam Atkins & Sharon Feder '06
We all seem to experience stress, sometimes it is helpful and sometimes it is not so helpful. A minimum level of stress can be motivating and result in our optimal effort with academics and relationships, while increased levels of stress can be harmful.
For those of you who believe that stress has increased enough to be a problem in your lives, reducing your positive interpersonal relationships and your academic success, the Psychological Counseling Center offers brief time-limited individual psychotherapy, Group Therapy and workshops in areas such as Time Management and Stress Reduction.
To make an appointment, call (845) 257-2920, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Also Fall and Spring semester, when classes are in session, contact our peer hotlines, OASIS 257-4945, and HAVEN, 257-4930.
The best prevention for stress is not only becoming aware of how you respond to situations and to your body, and engaging in preventative activities like exercise, nutrition, and sleep, but also, deep breathing, positive thinking, guided imagery and time management. These stress prevention tips follow:
1. Breathe Deeply
Listen to this technique!
Read this technique
2. Think Positively
How you think has a profound effect on how you interpret various events and how you experience stress.
- Become aware of your thoughts in stressful situations
- Develop positive self statements
- Replace your negative thinking with positive self statements
3. Use Guided Imagery
Listen to this technique!
Read this technique
4. Manage Your Time
Procrastinating, rushing, impatience and being a perfectionist all interfere with your ability to relax. For tips on managing your time, read 10 Tips to Organize and De-clutter your Academic Life.
