Students combat stress as part of national awareness event
The balancing act of study and work, as well as financial fears, were among the topics covered when students from the University of Greenwich held a special event for National Stress Awareness Day.
As part of the International Stress Management Association UK’s (ISMA) awareness campaign called “Don’t Worry - Take Action”, students were dishing out advice at The Dome; the university’s brand new Avery Hill campus café, and gym, which is also open to the public.
Diners and gym users were able to get information on combating worry, which can lead to anxiety, tension and stress. There are many things people can do to feel better including writing lists, positive thinking, eating healthily, taking regular exercise and getting support.
The students taking part were from the BSc Complementary Therapies (Stress Management) degree and course co-ordinator and senior lecturer Josephine O’Gorman said the event was a great way to educate the public.
She says: “This was a really worthwhile exercise and it was a great opportunity for the students to consolidate their knowledge and to get some practical experience of dealing with people’s worries and concerns.
“It also gave the students the chance to learn about marketing and engaging in national campaigns as well as other skills that they will need in their future careers. It was good to be joined by a graduate from last year who confirmed that such activities really helped her in setting up her own business.”
Visitors to the students’ stand were able to test their stress levels, get advice on coping with stress as well as take away a free ‘happy bag’ containing helpful information.
Josephine adds: “There is a real need to make people aware of the consequences of stress; worrying can be a major part of that. Worrying drains your energy, saps your strength and makes you less able to cope with everyday pressure and, unless you take some action, it also changes nothing.”
For further information about stress management, visit www.isma.org.uk or www.hse.gov.uk
To find out more about courses available at the University of Greenwich call 0800 005 006 or visit www.greenwich.ac.uk
ENDS
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University of Greenwich
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