Page 193 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Stress

Stress is a physical and psychological reaction that occurs as a result of being in situations that cause
some degree of anxiety or tension. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. While exams, illness, or the
breakup of a relationship can all be triggers for stress, it is the response to these situations that actually
makes the stress. In order to be stressed-out by something, you have to understand, think, and feel...
stress is not a pressure exerted from the outside, but is your reaction to a perceived situation.

Some stress can be natural, perhaps even exciting—giving you energy to meet a challenge or opportunity.
However, problems occur when stress becomes excessive. It can become destructive and can turn into
distress. Too much stress on your mind and body can make you miserable, worried, sad, and physically
ill. The amount of stress each person can handle depends upon the situations in which they are involved
and differs from person to person. For more information about stress and how to handle or best cope
with stress, visit a campus counselor and/or read more from the links provided in Chapter 7 of the
Foundations of Learning online resources.

The American Institute of Stress is a non-profit organization that has a web site which serves as a
clearinghouse for information on stress-related subjects. Other links provide information about the
medical basis for stress, causes for stress, results of stress, recognizing stress, ways to handle, relieve,
and overcome stress, and job-related stress.

Sleep

Regular sleep habits help you to perform at your best, while a lack of sleep can cause poor concentration
or attention. Recent studies have shown that young adults require as much as nine hours of sleep per
night in order to function well. For information about sleep, tips for overcoming sleep problems, and
sleep research, refer to the links provided in Chapter 7 of the Foundations of Learning online resources.

There are links to several sites which provide information regarding all aspects of sleep. Information
at these sites includes the physiology of sleep, sleep disorders, clinical sleep medicine, sleep research,
federal and state information, sleep-related education, business-related groups, and a question and
answer forum.

Public Health and Disease Alcohol and Substance Abuse

The federal government has three helpful web There is a great deal of information about alcohol
sites with information regarding public health and substance abuse to be found on the web. Some
and disease: helpful links include:

• Office of Disease Prevention and Health • The National Center on Addiction and
Promotion Substance Abuse at Columbia University
http://odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov http://www.casacolumbia.org

• The Office of Public Health and Science • The Alcohol and Drug Education Project of
(OPHS) Hobart & William Smith Colleges
http://www.hhs.gov http://alcohol.hws.edu

• U.S. Public Health Service’s Office on • The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and
Women’s Health Drug Information
http://www.4woman.gov http://ncadi.samhsa.gov

Chapter 7 — Addressing Personal Obstacles 187