By Anissa Rowe
What would you say if I told you stress was a good thing?
Pressure can be a constructive motivator. For many of us, the more we have on our plates, the more we accomplish. However, there will come a time when our minds and bodies will say, “No more.” Exceeding that boundary can be harmful.
Doctors Jan Hamilton, Rachel Daberkow and Kim Umble are certified counselors with Doorways outpatient services. The group held an event recently to kick off its partnership with Cooke Health Center.
The counselors will be available on the GCU campus three days a week in the Cooke Health Center in the Student Union. If you need someone to talk to or maybe some encouraging ideas, Hamilton, Daberkow and Umble are available free of charge.
“The Lord does not want us to be overwhelmed with stress,” says Hamilton says.
According to Hamilton, students face an abundance of anxiety that may lead to disorders and unhealthy lifestyles if it not properly handled. Headaches, fatigue, change in appetite, emotional sensitivity, fear and lack of concentration are only a few effects of feeling overwhelmed.
If the students in attendance were any indication, the number one cause of stress in college is finances: student loans, future income and career paths. Then there are relationships, academics and more.
Perhaps you can relate.
The doctor’s advice is simple: Get at least six hours of sleep, eat well and when things seem to get out of hand, take a step back and “reframe” or look at the big picture of your life.
For those wanting more on how to cope and organize, Umble will be coordinating stress support group sessions Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Canyon Hall’s fourth-floor movie room.
These will focus on relaxation procedures for the mind, body and emotions and offer a chance to relieve burdens and issues.
Call or stop by the Cooke Health Center (639.6215) in the Union to make an appointment.
Originally from Oregon, Anissa Rowe is a senior English major. Her post-GCU dreams involve editing, creative writing, teaching, traveling and photography. For now, she says she is satisfied with knowing that God has an exciting future prepared for her. Contact Anissa at [email protected].
