Stress is a normal, and necessary, part of life. However, too much stress or an inability to positively manage stress can be damaging to your emotional and physical health. Health Promotion and Wellness has a variety of programs to help you manage your stress and learn important life skills throughout the semester.
Massage
Health Promotion and Wellness partners with Aches Away to provide massage on campus. The cost is $15 for 15 minutes, and payment is expected at the time of service. Massage is held in 379 Student Services Building on Tuesdays from 1–5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. For specific dates and to make an appointment, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu.
PAWSitively Stress Free
Take a study break and visit with therapy dogs at Milner Library. Health Promotion and Wellness partners with Milner Library throughout the semester and during finals week to bring therapy dogs and other stress relieving activities to the library. Fall semester dates are
- Wednesday, September 11, from 3–5 p.m., third floor
- Wednesday, October 9, from 3–5 p.m., third floor
- Wednesday, November 13, from 3–5 p.m., third floor
- Monday, December 9 from 2–6 p.m., Third Floor (Finals week)
- Tuesday, December 10 from 2–6 p.m., third floor (Finals week)
Practice of Positive Living
This free, eight-week series uses support, meditation, breathing practices, self-discussion, exercise and nutrition, and journaling to teach participants to be more present in their daily lives. Student-only classes will be held Thursdays at noon from September 26 through November 14. Faculty/staff-only classes will be held Tuesdays at noon from September 24 through November 12. To sign up, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu.
Talk to someone
Whether it’s a trusted friend or a trained professional, talk to someone when you feel overwhelmed. Students can access Student Counseling Services by calling (309) 438-3655 or by visiting Counseling.IllinoisState.edu. If school work is the source of your stress, check out programs offered by the Julia N. Visor Academic Center to help boost your study skills.
Additional tips for managing stress
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. They may seem like a temporary fix to feel better, but in the long run they can create more problems and add to your stress, rather than take it away.
- Connect socially. Some people’s response to stress is to isolate themselves. Make sure that you are spending time with friends and loved ones. Check out on-campus registered student organizations (RSOs) to connect with students with similar interests.
- Take care of yourself. In times of stress, it is vital to take care of your overall well-being. Things like eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, taking breaks, and maintaining a normal routine will help you be more able to handle stress.
- Did we mention sleep? Lack of sleep causes a lot of issues, one of which is a lower stress threshold. When things get busy, still make time for sleep, at least six to eight hours a day. Get more tips for better sleep.
About Health Promotion and Wellness
Health Promotion and Wellness provides wellness information, services, and programming to students, faculty, staff, and the Illinois State community. People living, learning, and working in a healthy environment are more likely to reach their highest potential. For more information, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu or stop by 187 McCormick Hall.
