Question

Given your “analysis” of a college student health behavior, what intervention might help maintain or change stress reduction behavior behavior? APA format 200 words or more

Answer 1

Stress in college students is very common. This may lead to health and behavioural changes. The main causes of stress in college students are living away from home, lack of support from family and friends, peer pressure, pressure of academic and test performances.

Stress may lead to physical symptoms like headache, nausea, vomitting, weight changes, disturbed bowel habits, sleep disturbances, fatigue, generalised weakness. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, isolated behaviour, restlessness, impatience, sudden outbursts of anger, pessimistic thoughts. Cognitive changes include difficulty in concentration, impaired judgements, attention deficits, behavioural changes.

Interventions to manage and stress in college students include :

1. Time management - make a time table to study. Give adequate time to study each subject. This will also help you take time out for other activities of interest.

2. Meditation : it helps to relax your body and mind

3. Eat healthy : a healthy balanced diet will help in proper functioning of body and mind. This will help in more efficient learning and grasping abilities.

4. Take enough sleep and power naps during daytime

5. Take help from teachers and seniors to identify important study topics and various methods to study.

6. Practice muscle relaxation techniques

7. Enroll in recreational activities to freshen up your mind and body

8. Exercise well

9. Listening to soothing music also helps to reduce stress and calm the mind

10. Stay organized