BREAKING UP WITH STRESS: STRESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR  UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN  STUDENT GOVERNMENT (USASG) OFFICERS

BREAKING UP WITH STRESS: STRESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN STUDENT GOVERNMENT (USASG) OFFICERS.

W H A T I S S T R E S S ?. The term "stress" or "stressor" pertains to any environmental, biological, psychological, or social demand that compels an individual to alter his or her typical behavioral patterns ( Carr & Umberson , 2013). Stress has been proven to create functional and structural alterations in the hippocampal area of the brain in a number of studies (McEwen, 1999 as cited in the study conducted by Yaribeygi et al., 2017)..

T w o t y p e s o f s t r e s s :. Eustress – Also known as good stress or positive stress Distress – Also known as bad stress or negative stress.

Characteristics of eustress:. Motivates, focuses energy Is short-term Is perceived as within our coping abilities Feels exciting Improves performance.

Characteristics of distress:. Causes anxiety or concern. Can be short- or long-term. Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities. Feels unpleasant. Decreases performance. Can lead to mental and physical problems..

Relaxation techniques:. Relaxation techniques are therapeutic exercises that help people reduce tension and anxiety both physically and psychologically ( Romas & Sharma, 2022). One of the relaxation techniques found to be effective is visual imagery ( Romas & Sharma, 2022)..

Visual Imagery. Visual imagery is a type of mental visualization that uses the imagination. It is an essential component of all relaxation techniques and is similar to dreaming. It's been used in both the East and the West. According to Romas and Sharma (2022), the primary focus of visual imagery is to improve an individual's innate ability to achieve and maintain health..

Hand holding bluury light. HOW TO PRACTICE VISUAL IMAGERY:.

Hand holding bluury light. Try imagining a scene that may or may not be true, or a scene that you have not yet experienced, but that would make you happy. Mentally enjoy the sensation of being present at that event. Try to hold that feeling for at least ten (10) minutes. Now, open your eyes and notice the relaxation and recharging of your body and mind that has just occurred..