Since the 1980’s studies have shown that the levels of stress in modern living are increasing. In addition to this stress has been linked to many diseases, if not as the cause, then definitely as something that makes a disease worse.  Studies have also shown that with proper stress management many negative effects of stress can be reversed. 

Health educators are taking the lead in organizing programs that are best suited for the community they are in. 

Many programs have been implemented throughout the district to address stress, health challenges, and nutrition and weight management, along with on-site exercise classes. The stress management workshops, which attracted 246 individuals, were held at three host sites. Of those participating, 83 percent reported less stress in their lives. Six health challenges were held for the school district employees, which had involvement from 1,597 individuals. The challenge had a positive impact on 64 percent of its participant regarding personal health awareness.

Newer studies are showing that incoming college freshmen are more stressed out that ever before. In fact it’s so bad that one student exclaims “how did this happen, we have only been in class for 10 days!” . Besides the studies showing freshmen are stressed, the kids are probably stressing themselves out as well. Maybe even thinking that the only way for stress relief is to go to an expensive spa;

When one thinks of ‘stress relief’, some of the first things that spring to mind are luxurious massages, spa treatments and holidays in the sun. However, for the student on a budget, relief can be found in cheap, everyday activities, from running a bath to turning your music up and pretending that essay doesn’t exist for a sly half an hour.

In response, colleges like MIT have instituted stress relief classes and stress crises centers are developing to help students with traumatic events.  There are also yoga classes being offered for teens to relax in a way that combines exercise with community which is very important.

The funniest story, which I think is a great idea for schools and college campuses,  is from Washington University;

Stress relief at Washington University is now instantaneous.

Each Friday for the past two months, freshmen Greg Herren and Mike Bjorgaard have positioned themselves by the Forsyth Boulevard Underpass to compliment students as they walk to class. They arrive at 8:30 a.m. and continue to dole out compliments until 11 a.m.

“We just wanted to make everyone’s day a little brighter. It’s a great way to start a Friday,” Bjorgaard said. It’s the earliest I wake up all week…I wouldn’t wake up this early to study, so we have to wake up early to give compliments.”

“We have some sort of regulars…people that come by for five minutes and just talk with us, which is very cool,” Herren said.