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2.  Stress can be caused by both positive and negative external factors, such as falling in love or taking an exam.  Some things people commonly worry about are: o Having enough time or meeting deadlines o Facing the future o Dealing with a situation over which you have no control o Interacting with a person or a group of people

3.  Regardless of the cause of stress, how your body responds to stress is what you feel.  Recognize the emotional signs of being overly stressed: o Relationship difficulties o Withdrawal o Depression and anxiety o Feeling overwhelmed or isolated o Disorganization o Inability to concentrate  There are also physical symptoms of stress, which include: o Elevated pulse and blood pressure o Shallow breathing o Tight muscles, aches, and pains o Headaches o Difficulty sleeping o Frequent colds

4.  Take a quick online quiz to determine your current level of stress o http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-assessment/SR00029 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-assessment/SR00029 o http://www.arc.sbc.edu/stressquiz.html http://www.arc.sbc.edu/stressquiz.html

5.  If your stress level is moderate to high, don’t worry! There are a lot of things you can do to manage and lower your stress.

6.  Nutrition – Eat a varied and balanced diet, and don’t skip meals.  Exercise – 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle- strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week  Sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours each night.

7.  If you’re already getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition and you still feel stressed, there are additional things to try: o Learn about time management. o Take time to relax. Practice deep breathing or meditation. o Find time to do activities that you find relaxing, like yoga, reading, listening to music, or a new hobby.  Alcohol and drug consumption can contribute to your levels of stress. Contact the Health and Wellness Center for more information if you think alcohol or drugs are affecting you. http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-breathing-exercises-for-relaxation

8.  Counseling and Psychological Services: Lawrence 241, 610-436-2301. Individual and group services. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.cou/  Department of Public Safety: 690 S. Church St. 610-436-3311. Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus. http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/  Learning Assistance Resource Center: Lawrence 223, 610-436-2535. Tutoring, study skills and more. http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/  Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Assistance: Sykes 238, 610-436-3511 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.jud/  Office of Multicultural Affairs: Sykes 003, 610-436-3273. Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being. http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.mca/default.asp  Office of Social Equity: 13-15 University Ave. 610-436-2433. Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination. http://www.wcupa.edu/_admin/social.equity/

9.  Campus Recreation: Ehinger Gym Rm 133 http://www.wcupa.edu/CampusRec/default.asp  Student Health and Wellness Services: Wayne Hall, 2nd Floor 610-436- 2509 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.inf/  Twardowski Career Development Center: Lawrence 106, 610-436-2501 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/STU.CAR/  Women's Center: Lawrence Rm 100, 2nd floor. 610-436-2122. Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.wce /  Writing Center: Lawrence 214 610-436-5664. Writing assistance start to finish. http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/writingcenter/  Financial Aid Office: 25 University Ave. 610-436-2627 http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/FIN_AID/  Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/