Students experiencing prolonged stress and leading an unhealthy lifestyle may struggle to succeed academically. Between having assignments to turn in, exams to study for, work and making time for family and friends, a student’s life is often a chaotic juggling act that can take a toll on one’s well-being.
Dr. Patience McGinnis, licensed psychologist and WSU Vancouver’s Student Wellness Center manager said, “One’s mental health impacts all activities of daily functioning. Mental health concerns can reduce the energy one has to participate in day-to-day activities: the ability to concentrate and focus on reading, studying, performance on exams and the quality of sleep.”
She said stress caused by anxiety, depression and relationship concerns are the most common factors counseling services sees.
(Brody Voge/The VanCougar)
In a moment of extreme stress and anxiety, McGinnis suggests to breathe. “Engage the diaphragm and inhale and exhale slowly. Also, counseling services reserve up to four 30-minute appointments for time sensitive or urgent concerns. We are available to assist students in distress,” she explained.
Students cope with stress in a variety of ways. Joel Lindberg, junior entrepreneurship major and Office of Student Involvement Fitness Center staff, uses exercise to escape from his daily stresses.
“I started getting into exercise just because I got super stressed out from school,” Lindberg said. “It honestly helps so much. Exercise can be whatever you want it to be. It shouldn’t have to be you punishing yourself. It just has to be something to relieve stress.”
Junior psychology major Katharine Twombly said, at the end of a long day, especially at the end of the semester, all she does is study, go home and then does nothing besides binge-watching shows and relaxing. However, she also said, “I have to exercise every day or else I get anxiety.”
Twombly’s advice to fellow students is to take care of themselves. “If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re more likely to get sick and that makes keeping up on coursework that much harder,” Twombly said.
The next time you’re feeling guilty for taking time out of your day to indulge in the simple pleasures and self-care, remind yourself that self-care can lead to a more balanced you, according to the Student Wellness Center psychologists.
The Student Wellness Center, which includes Counseling Services, is located in the Classroom
Building, room 160. They provide free counseling services and same-day appointments. You can reach out to Counseling Services at 360-546-9238 or van.counseling@wsu.edu.
According to Student Wellness Center Psychologist Allison Chambers-Dixon, there are seven forms of self-care. She recommends allotting time daily for self-care, even if it is just five minutes.
Krysten Stewart is a junior at WSU Vancouver pursuing an English degree.