Managing Stress

• Address issues specifically. When a situation at school or work is causing stress, think through the details and decide on a plan of attack.
• Break jobs into smaller pieces. Goals will appear more manageable that way.
• Set reasonable, manageable goals. Trying to achieve something that is out of your reach will cause more stress than success.
• Avoid procrastination. The longer you wait to do something, the more difficulty you may have doing it. Prepare time for technological difficulties. Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in assignments. If you lose your connection, you may not be able to submit an item on time.
• Be thorough. Loose ends can be irritating. Finish a job and move on.
• Set boundaries and learn to say “no”. Don’t take responsibility for everyone and everything. Delegate.
• When anxiety begins to build, talk to someone.
• Review your obligations from time to time and make sure they are still appropriate.
• Don’t remain in difficult situations. Take positive action.
• Avoid the use of sleeping pills or drugs to control stress.
• Associate with people who support you and whose company you enjoy.
• Stick closely to the schedule for your class to ensure you meet deadlines for assignments.
• Seek help when you are unsure about something. Ask questions in the discussion area or e-mail a friend.

If you think you are falling behind in a course, or you are experiencing other types of difficulty and do not know what to do, please do not hesitate to contact your instructor.

Sometimes causes of stress are beyond your control. The following techniques can help you adjust to the effects of a stressful situation:

• Exercise, eat right, and get adequate sleep. Physical health promotes clear thinking.
• Do something relaxing. Take breaks regularly; play music, take a nap, read a book, go for a drive, take a walk outside, or see a movie. Recreation restores your mind and body.
• Change your surroundings. Getting away from situations and locations you associate with stress can lighten the effect it has on you and help you place problems in perspective