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Wellness Voice
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October 2006

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TRANSITIONAL STRESS: CULTURE SHOCKED!
By Kelly Reardon

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So, you’ve survived the stress of "Move in Day," navigated your way to finding the dining hall, and hopefully have found all the buildings that your classes are in! Congratulations! And just when you thought you couldn’t take any more stress, you’re wondering how in the world you are going to adjust to everything else.

  • Instead of sitting down to a home cooked meal, you are now standing in line to get your meal and eating in a big, crowded room.
  • Instead of having privacy in the bathroom, you are sharing the bathroom with strangers.
  • Instead of knowing the in’s and out’s of your hometown and high school, you are having problems finding where your classes are being held and where the grocery store is.

No need to panic! Breathe, and relax. You are not alone.

Life will always present changes. Sometimes we are not quite ready for those changes, or the change is bigger than we expected it to be. You have graduated high school and are now in college. It is a big change. It is one of the biggest stressors one can face. Don’t expect it to be easy, but remember that you can and will get through it. Try some of these helpful hints to get through these transitional stressors:

  • Relax and remember that you and 3,000 other students are all in the same boat! Develop a support system with some other students on your floor or in your classes. Get to know as many people as possible on campus through joining clubs, intramurals, organizations, volunteer groups, etc.
  • Practice deep breathing. When it all feels like too much, stop, and take 5 really deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose until you feel your stomach expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
  • Meditate. Think of a positive statement, such as "I am relaxed and calm." Repeat this to yourself for five to fifteen minutes.
  • Don’t use alcohol or drugs to relieve stress. They only mask the stress and in the long run, they will only cause more problems.
  • Close your eyes and picture yourself in a peaceful place, such as lying on a warm beach. Hold this image for five or ten minutes.
  • Increase your exercise and quiet time.
  • Watch your food intake. Be sure that you are eating a healthy diet. Remember, a well-fueled engine performs better under stress.
  • Rest, rest, rest. Be sure to try and get plenty of rest. Take mini cat naps if you need to.
  • Laugh! Rent some funny movies, check out some comedians coming to campus or the MUB, or talk to someone who can usually make you laugh.
  • Talk. Call someone you can share your stress with, write letters or emails to get things “off your chest” or schedule some time to speak with a counselor on campus.

Keep in mind that some of the problems you are facing today will fade with time. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro at finding buildings, making new friends, and hopefully helping out your peers who might be having difficulty adjusting. It’s normal to experience stress during a big life change. If you try all of these techniques and you’re still finding it difficult adjusting, reach out! Here are some resources on campus that may be helpful:

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WE CELEBRATE YOU!!

Since 1987, October 11 has been celebrated as National Coming Out Day. If you are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender, October 11 is your day. It’s a time to first, come out to yourself, then, to come out to your family and friends. It’s important to remember that coming out is not a destination, but a life-long process. For some of us, we take our time letting people know about this part of ourselves. For others, we break open those closet doors with a vengeance.

Telling others that you are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender is a very personal decision. Letting others REALLY know who you are is a tremendous gift to them. And let’s face it, pretending you’re someone you are not is very stressful! Being truthful with who you are as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender person is a great and important way to take care of yourself and move toward wellness. The truth is that GLBT people are EVERYWHERE. We are your family and we are your friends.

We at UNH Health Services recognize the importance of helping ALL of our students to lead full, productive and healthy lives. On October 11, we proudly support our Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender students. For more information on National Coming Out Day, check out the Human Rights Campaign at their website: www.hrc.org and click on coming out at the bottom of the main page.

If you have questions or concerns about your sexual orientation or gender identity and need someone to talk to, please contact our office at 862-3823 or visit our website at www.unh.edu/health-services. Other campus resources for GLBT students include the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) at 862-0324 and the Counseling Center at 862-2090.

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UNH CELEBRATES LOVE EveryBODY DAY
October 24, 2006

On Tuesday, October 24th UNH will be celebrating “Love EveryBody Day.” This event, sponsored nationally by the National Organization for Women (NOW), is a day of action to encourage all of us to speak out against offensive, unhealthy and unrealistic advertisements and images. It is a day to challenge messages that reinforce discrimination against people based on size and appearance. It is a day to celebrate our bodies and our selves.

Love EveryBody Events At UNH

In My Head I’m Thin
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Granite State Room.
This performance by Susan Poulin has been described as both humorous and eye opening. This performance will address the difficulties men and women face when they try to conform to the media’s definitions of beauty and success.

Information Tables
Tuesday, October 24 from 11:00 – 2:00 PM at Holloway Commons and The Hamel Recreation Center.
Information on how to be a critical media viewer and body image issues.

Ways To Enhance Your Body Image

  • Keep a list of 10 positive things about yourself—without mentioning your appearance. Keep it in a visible place and add to it.
  • Choose to find beauty in the world and yourself.
  • Count your blessings, not your blemishes.
  • Stop making food decisions based on fat grams or calorie counts.
  • Engage in activities that you enjoy.
  • Wear clothing that is comfortable and expresses your own style.
  • Take good care of yourself.

Ways To Become A Critical Media Viewer

  • Tear out the pages of a magazine that are offensive to you or don’t read those magazines anymore.
  • Write a letter or e-mail an advertiser whose advertising is sending positive, inspiring messages that recognize and celebrate the natural diversity of body shapes and sizes. Spread the word to your family and friends.
  • Refuse to buy products whose advertising consistently conveys negative body image messages. Spread the word to your friends and family.
  • Boycott popular TV shows that portray individuals who don’t conform to our culture’s idea of beauty and thinness.

For further information check out these web sites:

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