By: Jessie Ramcharran\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You open your laptop to study and begin your homework. In the process of studying, you start to become tense. Your heart rate rises, and your face turns red. You start feeling overwhelmed and running out of time. Sound familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life in general causes stress, let alone college. And one might ask, what exactly is stress? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, stress is our body\u2019s response to challenging situations and pressures. It\u2019s emotional and physical tension. According to the American Psychological Association<\/a>, there are three types of stress: acute, episodic acute and chronic stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acute stress is short-term and the most common form of stress. Episodic stress is when you experience acute stress too consistently. Chronic stress is long-term stress that can negatively impact a person\u2019s mental and physical health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s good to take a breather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some helpful tips on relieving stress: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here at Hood College, there are many opportunities to destress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are weekly meditation groups that meet on the quad while maintaining social distance. This is a part of the meditation program at Hood. The program is called Koru \u2013 comes from Duke University \u2013 and it is where people are invited to recall things that they are thankful for at the beginning or end of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, there is a physical education class taught by Dean of the Chapel, the Rev. Beth O\u2019Malley that offers \u201cforest bathing.\u201d \u201cSo, it\u2019s not going outdoors to take a bath in the woods; it\u2019s to go out and be surrounded by nature so that you get those calming benefits of nature,\u201d O\u2019Malley said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Students should also find comfort in those they love like family, friends, and even pets. \u201cAnimals can be just a terrific comfort and a wonderful opportunity to destress,\u201d O\u2019Malley said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some faculty members, including Michelle Gricus, an assistant professor of social work, and Katherine Robiadek, an assistant professor of political science, are encouraging students to participate in a moment of mindfulness in class to feel calmer, less stressed, and more capable. This is a good way to help aid students with their stress levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are experiencing severe stress issues or would like to talk to someone, then contact Hood College Health and Counseling Services<\/a> at 301-698-8374. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"