Stress and How To Manage It

We all experience stress. It is our body's natural reaction to any change that requires and adjustment or response. Your body can react to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. When we think about stress, we often think about distress, but there is another type of stress as well.

Eustress vs. Distress

Eustress is positive stress. It is typically short term, provides us with energy, and can improve performance. It is stress that feels easily manageable. Eustress puts the right amount of pressure on our bodies so that we are motivated to get things done!

Distress is the kind of stress that typically comes to mind when we think about stress. It is unpleasant, energy depleting, and long term. It feels unmanageable and decreases overall performance. Often, distress leads to physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. It is important to try and keep distress in check as it can lead to bigger issues such as increased physical health risks and a decline in mental health.

Managing Stress

There are four basic things you can prioritize to help manage stress:

1. Physical Activity - Make sure you are getting moving! Physical activity can increase productivity and put you in a better mood. It can also aid in restful sleep as well as decrease risk for serious conditions.
2. Balanced Diet - Try to maintain a balanced diet! Eat when your body tells you you need to and vary your diet with lots of different nutrients!
3. Sleep - It's important! It helps to restore your energy and prepare you tomorrow's challenges. Quality sleep can increase your mood and strengthen your immune system. It also strengthens memory and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night!
4. Time Management - Stay on top of your time. Time block and be sure to schedule in the things you love as well as the things you have to do. Self-care is a priority - treat it as such!

Tips for Stress Management During COVID-19

1. Create spaces for productivity and spaces for rest!
2. Take breaks from your screen.
3. Communicate your needs to others.
4. Get outside when you can.
5. Maintain a schedule.

You Are Not Alone

It's easy to feel like your stress is overwhelming and all consuming - reach out when you need to.

Champion Spotlight

This month's Employee Wellness Champion Spotlight recognition goes to Dr. Krispin Barr in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development.

Krispin is in her second year as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Higher Education graduate program. She has worked in Student Affairs for 30 years in North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She is also a lifelong NC State fan and has fond memories of the 1974 and 1983 Wolfpack wins in the NCAA Men's National Basketball Championships.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, Krispin has been able to rediscover the importance of taking care of herself and spending time with her friends and family. She has also taken several steps to maintain her physical fitness at home, by taking up yoga and investing in a stand up desk after learning about the dangers of sitting too much.

Krispin is enjoying participating in the "Step To It" challenge with her faculty and students. This friendly competition provides her network an outlet to stay in touch while they are physically distancing and it allows them to work on sustaining healthy lifestyle habits!

Congratulations, Krispin! Wolfpack Wellness recognizes you for all efforts in infusing a culture of wellness in your workplace!