Mohamed Hagi Yusuf | Contributor
Featured illustration: Stress is the body’s response to any demand made upon it, which can cause strong feelings of worry or anxiety. | Jasmine Wiradharma
This school year, you may have goals of improving your GPA, joining a club or networking with your peers. But your to-do list might not include over-stressing, late assignments or missed deadlines. Stress is the body’s response to any demand made upon it, which can cause strong feelings of worry or anxiety. When the body is stressed, it releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in hopes of coping with the situation. Adrenaline is known as the fight-or-flight hormone, and activates almost immediately when the body undergoes stress. It causes a surge of energy, increased heart rate and tense muscles, giving the body energy to help escape a dangerous situation. Cortisol is released by the adrenal gland, and regulates the body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. It also takes care of non-essential body functions, such as immunity and digestion, when the body is stressed. This release of stress hormones is beneficial in returning the body to its equilibrium, but can decrease one’s cognitive ability in concentration and motivation.
Before freaking out about your current state of adrenaline and cortisol, you can help decrease your body’s natural stressful reaction to situations, as well as target your source of stress.
Staying physically fit is essential in maintaining a life of low stress. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 should take part in a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week. Exercise releases the brain’s feel-good hormones, known as endorphins, which help relieve stress, improve your mood, and lower anxiety and depression. Stress can cause sleeping difficulties, which can be improved with exercise, as the body becomes fatigued and relaxed.
Your state of inner peace and equilibrium also depends on the things you put into your body. Incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts into your diet can go a long way. A high intake of refined sugars can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which add more stress to the body. As tempting as that morning Tim Hortons run can be, it is important to avoid high caffeine intake, which can induce anxiety and nervousness and amplify the symptoms of stress. During your next study session at Scott Library, try munching on an apple or sesame seeds rather than a bag of chips and Skittles.
Keeping up with class work is imperative in keeping your stress levels down. Procrastination is a coping strategy for stress, which can cause other aspects of your life to suffer. When you procrastinate, your overall physical health suffers, as the nervous and endocrine systems are put into overdrive. Your body holds onto more water and increases your metabolism, putting your heart under more stress, leading to a decrease in sensitivity for hormones, such as cortisol, which causes white blood cells to damage your body, eventually leading to weight gain.
Learning to schedule your time is necessary to avoid procrastination, and setting attainable goals can help curb procrastination by forcing yourself to get work done effectively. Picking up a free agenda from YorkFest or using your phone calendar can go a long way in ensuring you stay on track and don’t forget important dates.
The human body has several cells and proteins which regulate our social interactions. New studies have shown that when brain activity increases, such as when you’re stressed, certain cells release proteins that suppress neurons and cause antisociality. As a university student, your life needs balance in order to avoid stress and sickness. Having a strong social group has been associated with a healthier response to stress, and helps keep down your heart rate and blood pressure. Joining a club or hanging out with friends during free time can help you relax. Humans are social beings, meaning we need to stay interconnected to stay healthy. Studying all day and neglecting a social life can take a toll on your well-being.
Post-secondary students often juggle a full course load and a part-time job. This can take a serious toll on your ability to keep up with class work. Peer mentors and tutors in your college can give you specific tips for the courses you are in so you can be better prepared to succeed. If you are still unable to decrease your stress levels, York provides mental health services located at N110, Bennett Centre for Student Services, where students can attend workshops to help with stress management. It’s nearly impossible to avoid stress, but how you handle it can make the difference.
