Stress, Lifestyle, And Health
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Imagine your 17-year old sister is about to start her first semester of college. She’s always been one to do it all, but can become easily stressed. What advice would you give her about ways to manage her stress, prevent stress, and cope with stress? Use specific theories and examples from your reading.
Do you know people who are happy in one way but not in others? People who are high in life satisfaction, for example, but low in enjoying life or high in negative feelings? What should they do to increase their happiness across all three types of subjective well-being?
Sample Solution
If I was giving advice to my 17-year old sister about how to manage stress before starting her first semester at college, I would suggest a few key tips that could help prevent and cope with potential challenges. Firstly, it’s important for her to recognize when she is feeling overwhelmed in order to take steps towards addressing the issue (Sarafino, 2018). This can involve identifying triggers or worrisome thoughts which may be causing her distress and then taking time out for self-care such as engaging in hobbies she enjoys or talking with friends or family members who understand her feelings. Additionally, developing positive coping strategies like mindfulness meditation can also help her better deal with stressful situations when they arise (Zgierska et al., 2010).
From a prevention standpoint, my sister should also try to maintain a regular sleep schedule since inadequate rest can lead to higher levels of stress as well as affect concentration during class (CDC 2021). Moreover, creating realistic goals and expectations will reduce pressure on herself so that she doesn’t become too overwhelmed by tasks that are either beyond her abilities or require more time than what is available (Sarafino, 2018). Finally just setting aside some time each day for leisure activities – even if it’s only for 10 minutes – can make all the difference in dealing with stress over the long run because it gives us much needed breaks from our obligations while allowing us clear our minds without being rushed through them (Lepore & Smyth 2002) .
In conclusion, understanding both how preventing and coping with stress comes down largely implementing beneficial habits into everyday life – from getting enough sleep regularly maintaining healthy relationships all way through managing expectations appropriately – this combined many small indicators will go far helping someone manage academic pressures associated college successfully.