Managing Stress
In the last issue of Maintaining Good Health, we featured an interview with stress therapist Dr. Benjamin O'Dell and university student Fumiko Yamada. They talked about how stress can affect the lives of university students. In this issue, Dr. O'Dell and Fumiko share ideas on how to cope with and control stress.
Dr. O'Dell: Fumiko, let's recap1 by talking about the issues2 that have caused stress in your life.
Fumiko: Okay. Well, handing in my assignments late has been the biggest source of stress. Being late for classes has been a problem, too.
Dr. O'Dell: Now that you've identified these problems, what do you think is causing them?
Fumiko: I think there are two main causes. First, I'm very disorganized; that is, I just don't manage my time very well. Second, I procrastinate. I often wait until it's too late to start writing or studying. As for being 15 late for class so often, well, because I'm behind with my studies, I stay up3 late trying to complete assignments or catch up on my reading. Often, I don't get to bed until 3 A.M., and then I oversleep in the morning.
Dr. O'Dell: What do you think is the best way to remedy the situation? 20 Fumiko: First, I need to be more organized, and budget my time better. This semester, I've created a timetable for myself; I've scheduled my entire day—from morning until evening. I really think this will help me a lot. Second, I need to think more about my priorities in life; right now, my studies are more important than my part-time job.
Dr. O'Dell: Excellent. What do you plan to do about your procrastination and chronic lateness to class? Fumiko: Well, I think that this semester, by planning my time more strategically, I can overcome my tendency to procrastinate. If I follow my schedule, I'll spend less time watching TV and hanging out4 at the coffee shop with my friends. I'll get more done during the day, which means I won't have to stay up all night.
Dr. O'Dell: It sounds challenging. Do you think you'll be able to make such a big lifestyle6 change?
Fumiko: It's going to take a lot of will power and self-discipline, but I 35 know that my life will be better. I'll complete my assignments on time; I won't be tired in the mornings. In the end, I'll be less stressed out, and I'll have fewer health problems.
Dr. O'Dell: What about your job? How do you intend to manage all of this and continue to work?
Fumiko: As I mentioned earlier, I need to rethink my priorities and put my studies first. That means my job conies second. I don't want to quit my job, but I do need to work fewer hours. This semester, I'm only going to work on weekends—Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. I won't be able to go out with my friends on Saturday nights, but I'll
45 save more money. Also, if I get behind7 with my studies during the week, I will have time to catch up because I won't be working so much.
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