Stress to Success

to SUCCESS

Have you ever panicked over an exam? Or felt as if your busy schedule melted your brain into a jelly so smooth you could spread on toast

Story by Korryn Sanchez & Janica Torres Design by Kiley Mourino Photo by Mitchell Aragon

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Tusk asked your fellow Titans how they cope with stress.

E NJ OYA B L E ACTIVITIES

“I like to go for drives, get my mind off the situation and come back to it with a fresher, clearer mindset.” -Baylee, senior

“I go to the beach and hangout with my friends. Just talking and clearing my mind, sharing my thoughts.” -Huy, senior

ORGANIZATION AND BALANCE

“I write deadlines, dates or times on my hands. It stays there because it’s pen, but it’s not a practical method, especially when I have paper.” -Sophia, junior

“I take breaks ... but flash cards don’t stress me out, they make me calmer.” -Kempsey, freshman

“I like to plan things in advance and stay really organized.” -Brian, senior

“I spend a lot of time watching sports and live vicariously through them. When I watch football, I pretend I’m the person hitting everyone.” -Ian, freshman

PASSIVE COPING

“I start to freak out about the situation if it is stressful. If I have to get to it, I will focus and pull myself together or I just sleep it off.” -Lani, freshman

I procrastinate, go on social media and pretend I have nothing to do until I have to, and then I freak the fuck out.” -Anita, senior

“I reward myself with a nap and I listen to a lot of Christmas music. It doesn’t matter what time of the year.” -Trinity, freshman

"I freak the fuck out."

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Lisa Mori, a clinical psychologist at CSUF, suggests partaking in pleasurable pastimes to boost your levels of serotonin and dopamine.

“Dopamine is our pleasure hormone and it’s also important for things like higher order cognitive abilities: problem solving, memory, and critical analysis,” she said.

Dr. William Marelich, a psychology professor, advises on taking an active approach to stress.

“The idea of ignoring and hoping it goes away is bad because it doesn’t really go away,” said Marelich. “That’s what is called passive coping.”

“Take an active approach: figure it out, have discussions, get a sense of what the stressor is. Then come up with positive ways to cope with the stressor.” Marelich said.

Mori recommends organizing a schedule to combat stress.

“Balance your life with more than work and school,” said Mori. “Plan a schedule to make sure you have time to sleep, read, study, and prep. But also make time for fun activities, working out, and eating well.”