CASSIE TOMLIN/Arizona Daily Wildcat A student takes a break from studying to sleep in the UA Main Library Tuesday night. Getting extra sleep is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of stress-related illness.

Exercise, more sleep are some ways to help relieve stress

Loosen up and free your mind to avoid unnecessary illness and anxiety resulting from stress, a condition affecting students at every college campus nationwide.

Although stress can be perceived in different ways, it is generally the body's natural response to physical, psychological or emotional circumstances. How the body reacts to those circumstances differs, ranging from mild anxiety to physical illness, said Lisette LeCoryne, a nurse practitioner at Campus Health Service.

"On a cellular level, stress depresses T-cells in the body that fight off infection," LeCoryne said. "This reduces the body's immune response, making the individual more susceptible to disease."

In addition to a weaker immune system, people feeling stressed out often experience a faster heart rate, muscle tension, rapid breathing and an increase in stomach acids, which can lead to sharp pain, nausea and vomiting, LeCoryne said.

However, LeCoryne said students who experience these side effects do not always associate the symptoms with stress, often assuming they caught a virus and require medicine.

In 25 years of patient care, LeCoryne said stress-related illnesses are the most commonly treated problems among students at the UA and do not usually require pharmaceutical drugs.

"Stress is a portion of the top five problems I see in urgent care," LeCoryne said. "But the most effective ways to combat stress do not include medicinal treatment."

In fact, LeCoryne said that in addition to physical exercise, which is one of the best stress relievers, getting extra sleep and devoting part of the day to well-deserved "me time" is also important for alleviating stress.

"It's about taking control of your life and taking 'me time' to evaluate yourself," LeCoryne said. "If you don't declare that time, somebody will have eaten it up."

Justin McPeak, a history freshman, said that when he gets stressed out he procrastinates from schoolwork and feels anxious, which he cannot relieve with exercise.

Instead, McPeak said he unwinds by playing the guitar, a hobby that allows him to escape his daily obligations.

"It's something that relaxes me," McPeak said. "It's one of the few times I'm not thinking about all the things I have to do."

If a student overwhelmed with stress does not find relief from hobbies or Campus Health, they can receive counseling through the university's Counseling and Psychological Services program, said David Salafsky, health educator at Campus Health.

"Students by nature are stressed out because they have a lot on their plates," Salafsky said.

In addition to academic responsibilities, students are also bogged down with financial pressure, work obligations and relationships between family and friends, LeCoryne said.

Since college students often take on large amounts of responsibility, exercise and sleep does not always do the trick. For some students, stress is primarily "all in their head."

"Stress can be a combination of different things, and for that reason we provide different options," Salafsky said.

Counseling is one option that can benefit students feeling stressed, but is especially recommended for those prone to depression and anxiety, which are often hereditary, LeCoryne said.

"People who have tendencies toward depression can experience stress differently," LeCoryne said. "Stress may not cause it, but it would precipitate episodes of depression or anxiety, which are hosts of other psychological disorders."

Adriann Ranta, a sophomore majoring in English and creative writing, said in addition to sleeping badly, her mood changes noticeably when she is stressed out.

"What happens when I'm stressed? I'm a total bitch. I'm in a bad mood," Ranta said.

Ranta said she thinks stress is self-perpetuating, and can cause mood swings and depression if not caught early enough. To prevent stress, she said students should take a proactive approach and "power through it."

"Students need to give themselves the opportunity to get away from the things stressing them out," Ranta said. "Even if it's drugs and intense orgasms."