How to Handle Stress When Dealing with College and COVID-19?
Aaron Perkins
I grew up in Miami, Florida with my cousins Shannon and Mia. My aunt always cooks us our favorite dish lasagna because it is one of our most liked food ever since my nephew Stephanie baked scrumptious cookies. We always play outside during our leisure time. I enjoyed playing beanbag toss with them because I and my younger cousin Mia loved throwing beanbags at Shannon. In addition to that, Shannon doesn't seem to mind because she loves being the bullseye. Overall, I enjoyed my time with them.
Dr. Bridges
Well, Aaron, that sounds great. Tell me, why did you decide to schedule an appointment with me? Are you dealing with any personal struggles?
Aaron Perkins
Yes. I decided to schedule my appointment because I need to discuss with you about the Coronavirus that has been going ever since the University of North Carolina had contacted me, saying that the entire campus is closed due to COVID-19 spreading across the state. Because of this, I had to finish up my classes online. It felt like I was in Hell.
Dr. Bridges
How many classes do you have?
Aaron Perkins
I'm taking up six classes. It's for the Spring Semester. I have Introduction to Science, Writing Inquiry, Calculus, Drawing I, Interpersonal Communication, and Aerobics.
Dr. Bridges
Are those classes hard for you?
Aaron Perkins
It's a lot of work. One of the hardest classes is Calculus because, every Wednesday, I have to meet with my Calculus tutor to help me study for my midterm.
Dr. Bridges
Ok. So, what made it hard for you to handle online classes instead of face-to-face?
Aaron Perkins
What made it hard for me to handle online classes is balancing out my leisure time with my working schedule. Also, I was stressing out because I didn't like how the Coronavirus affected my chance of making sure I turn in my assignments on time. I cried a lot because I was afraid of failing my courses due to the pandemic. So, I tried to do one course at a time to avoid stress.
Dr. Bridges
So, who helped you out?
Aaron Perkins
My older sister Jennifer. She loves me dearly so I told her thank you for helping me with my work. She also said that she was having a difficult time juggling one class at a time.
Dr. Bridges
That's sweet of her to help you.
Aaron Perkins
Yeah. She's very sweet, although she gave me a wedgie when I was little. It was pretty.......satisfying.
Dr. Bridges
I know that feeling.
Aaron Perkins
(laughing) Yeah. By the way, are there any helpful tips that you can show that will relieve my stress from the Coronavirus? And also for dealing with college work?
Dr. Bridges
Sure, I can give you good advice on lowering your stress. This is what I found online for my research for helping patients deal with their issues.
What are the Ways to Reduce Stress in College?
Get enough sleep. It may be tempting to hit the hay at 4 a.m. and then attend an 8 a.m. class, but shortchanging yourself on rest can increase your stress level. "Winging it on not much sleep has a profound effect on how we experience the stressors of the day," Forbes says. Plus, insufficient sleep can put you at risk for serious illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, and depression. Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep a night for best health. Forbes also recommends that you align your sleep schedule with normal resting hours by getting to bed before midnight, rather than staying up until dawn and sleeping until mid-afternoon. "The more that our internal clock is closely aligned with the clock of the sun, the better it is," Forbes says.
Eat well. A steady diet of pizza and vending-machine fare can decrease energy levels in the body, leading to a lower threshold for stress. "You end up feeling very tired and looking for the same [junk food] to kick you back up," Forbes says. "It's a lousy cycle of hunting for short-term comfort food or sugar highs that actually keep you feeling worse." Follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Exercise. When you're stressed, moving around may be the last thing you feel like doing. But as little as 20 minutes a day of physical activity can reduce stress levels. Forbes says just three or four half-hour sessions can lighten stress considerably. As for what type of exercise, try something that you enjoy doing, like swimming or yoga. "You're not going to continue something you don't like," Forbes notes.
Avoid unnatural energy boosters. Artificial stimulants like caffeine pills or prescription meds may help you stay awake for that all-night study session, but putting off your body's need to sleep will ultimately result in an energy crash, resulting again in a greater susceptibility to stress. "It's like clipping the wires to your fire alarm while the house burns down," Forbes says. "Just because you didn't hear it doesn't mean the house didn't burn."
Get emotional support. Adjusting to college can be difficult, and venting your frustrations to a trusted friend can go a long way in fighting stress. "It's a way to empty out tensions and make them lower," Forbes says. Choose a friend or family member who won't be judgmental or try to give lots of advice. Or seek the help of a professional counselor or psychologist. To find a trusted practitioner, check with your student health center for recommendations.
How to Reduce Stress during a Coronavirus Outbreak?
Find hobbies or activities you enjoy. Plan something small each day to look forward to.
Interrupt negative thought patterns that cause distress. Instead, focus on what you can do to make this situation better.
Listen to your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or take a moment to relax. Focus on eating healthy, well-balanced meals, getting regular exercise and sleep, and avoiding alcohol or mood-altering drugs.
Limit exposure to news coverage, including social media. This goes double for children. They may misinterpret and become frightened about something they don't understand.
Maintain regular routines. Create a schedule for learning activities, relaxation, and fun.
Talk to trusted people about your concerns and feelings. Use your phone or safe internet means to connect with others in a positive way.
Talk about the COVID-19 outbreak – answer questions and share facts.
Dr. Bridges
Is this helpful?
Aaron Perkins
Yes. Thank you so much, sir. I'm glad that you helped me with my problems.
Dr. Bridges
Your welcome.