Beat the Stress Bug to Stay Healthy

By Ashely Arts, Erin Stratta

Twenty-four hours is not enough time in a day to accomplish everything that is absolutely necessary to satisfy our teachers, family, and friends. With upcoming projects, problem sets, and even a college essay lingering on the back burner, not surprisingly, everyone has caught the stress bug somehow.

Surprisingly, stress is an actual medical condition, ask any medical professional out there. It involves a chemical imbalance that prevents the brain from recognizing enough "good messages." These chemicals let you sleep, give you energy, and set your pleasure and pain levels. Without a correct balance of brain chemicals, people find it more difficult to function normally.

Senior Alexis Cardillo, who is in two AP classes and a varsity cheerleader, knows sheUs getting stressed because, "I get really tired, and I cry at anything."

Some people actually inherit a low stress tolerance that makes them prone to overstress. According to How to Survive Unbearable Stress, 10 percent of your family, friends and co-workers arenUt able to cope with the stress of their everyday lives. If you think that you are one of these people, ask your parents or family members if theyUve had problems managing their stress levels. Chances are, it runs in the family. The most important thing is to realize that there are things you can do before stress takes over your life.

Stress takes on many forms. Fatigue, depression and anxiety are common examples. It often causes people to over react. "In the middle of June, I freaked out because I didnUt have my school supplies yet and I didnUt think there would be any good things left," said sophomore Emily Nohner. "I overreacted, by the time I went at the beginning of August, they were running low on pink erasers, but I still got everything I needed." Stress can also intensify or create health concerns. Omaha Occupational Physician Susan Sheperd sees many patients that come in with stress related problems. "Most people want to rule out stress and wonUt admit that it is their lifestyle causing their health problems," Dr. Sheperd said.

Stress affects both your mental and physical health. "If it really becomes a problem, we might find a way for a student to cut back in her activities, or help her find a better way to manage her time," said Mrs. Laura Gelecki, Marian couselor.

When junior Sara Sibilia starts to feel the stress bug, she tends to take the active approach. "I either go running or go to the basement to kick the soccer ball at our cement wall," says junior Sara Sibilia. Some stress filled activities that Sibilia is involved in are, the Ministry Council Core group, Marian soccer, as well as playing on a club soccer team.

Whatever you do to relieve your stress, remember you are not alone. Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life and it is important that we learn how to deal with it now so that it doesnUt overwhelm us in the future. "It helps us manage our time for our careers, but it [stress] is really nerve-wracking," said Melissa Maher.

Return to the Network Section Index