Students stress about situations going on in their lives, whether it is work, money, school or relationships. When people stress to their limit, it can be hazardous to their health.

Kalyn Coppedge, Health Educator at the Student Health Services at The Well, said stress can impact a person in a variety of ways.

“Physically it can lead to a weakened cardiovascular and respiratory system, decreased immunity, fatigue, headaches, chronic pain and weight fluctuations,” Coppedge said. “Mentally, it can lead to anxiety, depression and unhealthy coping mechanisms such as addiction and eating disorders.”

When it comes to midterms, finals or term papers, students can stress themselves beyond their limits because of their desire to succeed.

April is Stress Awareness Month and Sacramento State offers choices for students who want to de-stress on campus.

The Well is a free option for Sac State students who want to work out, it also offers inexpensive classes including yoga, Zumba and meditation.

The Well has the Mind/Body pass for students who want to focus on workouts to improve balance, endurance and posture while relieving stress.

Yoga and Pilates classes at the The Well are examples of ways to de-stress. The classes are quiet and help students focus on balance, the mind and exercise.

There are workshops for stress management at The Well, which students can attend for free. Coppedge said Our Active Minds peer health educators lead a workshop called “Working Out Your Stress” throughout the week on the first floor of The Well in The Cove.

“We discuss topics related to stress such as test anxiety and then do activities to reduce stress,” Coppedge said.

Coppedge said physical activity is a great way to relieve stress because it is an activity you enjoy as opposed to only going to the gym because you feel like you have to or because you want to burn calories.

“It is great to do a physical activity that is also social so that you get time with your friends and can take your mind of stressors,” Coppedge said.

Some students enjoy going to The Well not only for the classes and workout sessions, but also to play sports with friends.

Senior kinesiology major Jason Brown said he likes to play basketball with his friends at The Well and hang out with his little brothers from his fraternity.

“(Students should) utilize The Well for working out, running, playing basketball, (going) rock-climbing or racquetball,” Brown said.

Senior child development major Anabel Diaz said one of the popular places on campus to de-stress is the University Union. She said she likes to hang out in the Terminal Lounge in the Union where students can go relax and listen to music in an open lounge or private listening rooms.

“You can just lay there, chill and listen to the music you like,” Diaz said.

Freshman business major Vohn Dumdumaya said he likes to go on campus with his friends when he wants to relieve stress.

“I like to hang out with my friends and sometimes we’ll dance because we are dancers,” Dumdumaya said. “We usually go to The Well or anywhere (I can hang out with my friends) on our own time.”

According to Sac State’s Counseling and Psychological Services, an important way to de-stress is to get enough sleep and to eat well.

Coppedge said while it is impossible to live a stress-free life, students can find ways to manage stress. She said when students can manage stressors, they are more likely to be able to accomplish goals like graduating, feeling healthier and having better relationships.

“It is important to remember that we all have stress and sometimes we just need to do a little more for self-care or find ways to change our lives to reduce stressful situations,” Coppedge said. “Ultimately, there are times when stress becomes overwhelming and it is important to seek professional help.”

It is a fact that students will stress out about something. Using Sac State’s de-stressing options can bring students some relief when needed.

Brittany Lambert can be reached at [email protected]