Stress is well known here at Ocean Springs High School. For example, studying for huge exams, state tests, regular classroom tests and quizzes and even the ACT can put a huge stress impact on students. Most people come in contact with stress each and every single day, and for some people it is so severe that it interferes with their day to day activities.
According to http://helpguide.org, the definition of stress is a normal physical response to events or activities that make one’s body feel upset or threatened. Once this happens the body goes into a “stress response.” “Stress response” is when the body responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. For example, the heart might begin to beat faster, muscles may tighten up, blood pressure may increase and one may even begin to breathe much faster than normal.
There are also several symptoms of being under stress. They include: memory problems, constant worrying, anxious or racing thoughts, moodiness, short temper, depression, aches, nausea, dizziness, heart racing, eating more or less, sleeping too much or too less and nervous habits such as nail biting and pacing.
Most everyone has encountered some type of stress. But for some, stress can cause serious chronic illness and the worsening of anxiety and depression. For example, long time stress exposure affects every part of the body. It can raise blood pressure, can hide the immune system, increase the risk of heart diseases and strokes, digestive problems, sleeping problems, depression, obesity, autoimmune diseases and it can even cause skin conditions.

There is no way to completely eliminate stress from one’s life. We will always deal with stress, and some ways one can relieve stress are by writing in a journal, doing something enjoyable, exercising, taking a bubble bath (yes, boys I know you do not do this), taking yoga classes, trying breathing exercises, not eating as much sugar and caffeine, starting a healthy diet and mainly just doing something that is relaxing. But, we cannot let it take over our minds and bodies.
Overall, stress is a major factor for several students here at OSHS. Stress is a part of our everyday lives. But, we can reduce stress several different ways. The key is to learn different ways to relieve stress and what works best in the student’s interest.