by Kristen Schell

With each term there comes many different stressors. You may miss an obligation at work, your social circle may feel like it’s closing in on you, or you may just be overwhelmed with life as a whole. Finding a way to create is a powerful way to reduce your stress levels. Creating takes on a multitude of meanings and forms. Each individual has their own creative outlet, whether that means throwing clay on a wheel, using up a roll of film, or stringing words together for self-expression.

One way to release stress can be to explore your creative talent at the OSU Craft Center. The Craft Center, located on the ground level of MU East/Snell Hall off of Benton Way, is a great place to explore your creative outlets! Making it easily accessible to students wanting to relieve stress and take away new skills. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned professional the benefits of creating works wonders on stress management. Next time you’re feeling stressed take a deep breath and go create!

Stress comes in many forms and can be in any category of your life. Social relationships, work, school, or financial situations are primary targets for college students. Stress can sometimes be a positive force in your daily lives but it can become problematic when it sneaks into your feelings of self worth and emotional well being. If you feel that you are experiencing stress which is negatively impacting your life, you can seek support through OSU Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS provides free counseling to all students, and is available after-hours as well. To access a counselor anytime, all students need to do is call CAPS’ main number, 541-737-2131.

Resources

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/29/natural-ways-to-relax-crafting_n_2040686.html#slide=1698723

http://mu.oregonstate.edu/craftcenter/about_us

http://oregonstate.edu/counsel/

By Ann Robinson, HCI staff

Valentine’s Day is about relationships that nourish us. Studies show that all connections, including a parent or child, a long-time friend, a romantic partner, or a “walking buddy” are important to life-long health and happiness, and may be as important as eating your vegetables.

Shelley Taylor, a professor of psychology at UCLA and author of The Tending Instinct found that friendships among women that involve non-judgmental listening, with someone who is available in person in good times and bad works like medicine. “Social support brings down our blood pressure, signals our adrenal glands to stop pumping out corticosteroids, and voila! We feel less anxious, less overwrought, less overwhelmed. We may even live longer as a result of coping this way.” (Ladies Home Journal, the Healing Power of Friendship).

These benefits are not exclusive to women. A study from the Harvard School of Public Health showed that men with a large network of friends decreased their risk of heart disease by 82%. Other studies reveal that one close friend is enough to extend your life by as much as ten years and chances of recovery from serious illness are improved by the ties of friendship. Friends even help you avoid the common cold.

Making friends and keeping them takes time and energy, especially for those who are shy. Here are some tips to make finding and keeping friends easier:

• Volunteer
• Join an exercise class.
• Be part of Move it Monday’s through Beaver Strides
• Take a class at the OSU Craft Center 
• Take your dog for a walk
• Join a spiritual organization

Tips for keeping friends:

• Say “yes” to invitations
• Extend invitations to others
• Talk in person, not just on the phone or over email
• Do things together
• Listen
• Share the positive, not just the negative
• Only offer advice when it is invited
• Keep confidential conversations confidential
• Laugh together

Most American’s consider Valentine’s Day a day for romance. Many other cultures use the day to acknowledge the friends and family members who make their lives complete. This year think about celebrating the holiday by letting important friends know they matter.

Works used to support this article:

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Apr. 2011. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.

Parker-Pope, Tara. “What Are Friends For? A Longer Life.” New York Times. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/health/21well.html?_r=1&>.

Franklin, Claire. “Strong Friendships Increase Life Expectancy.” Smart Living Network. N.p., 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. <http://www.smartlivingnetwork.com/health-interest/b/strong-friendships-increase-life-expectancy/>.

10-20% of college females and 4-10% of college males suffer from eating disorders (Schlesinger).

Chances are you or somebody you know has struggled with disordered eating. The Nutrition and Dietetics Club here on campus is hosting a week of activities during National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, February 24th- March 2st, in hopes of educating students on the facts of eating disorders and what they can do if they or someone they know is struggling with disordered eating.

Did you know that eating disorders are potentially life-threatening illnesses that have severe physical and psychological implications? Eating disorders may be perceived as a fad or lifestyle choice but they are much more complex and require immediate professional help (National Eating Disorder Association). There are four types of eating disorders, including: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (National Eating Disorder Association). Contributing factors of eating disorders go beyond an obsessive preoccupation with food and eating. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, some of the most common contributing factors of eating disorders include: low self-esteem, depression, history of physical or sexual abuse, bullying, cultural pressures to have a certain body type, and genetics. All types of eating disorders may result in serious health consequences.

Understanding what to look for in your own behavior, or the behaviors of your friends and peers, is the first step in getting the help and treatment needed to combat disordered eating. Some of the behavioral signs and symptoms you should look out for are: extreme weight loss in a short period of time, avoidance of certain foods or the labeling of some foods as bad or off-limits, intense fear of becoming fat, excessive exercising, refusal to eat, depression, low self-esteem, and extreme guilt after eating (Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, 2011).

There is a vast range of things you can start doing today in order to prevent eating disorders among your peers and even yourself. Vow to stop using negative body talk and start speaking kindly about yourself and your peers. Refrain from labeling certain foods as “bad” or “off-limits” and start choosing foods that will nourish your body and uplift your spirit. Learn to weed out the negative media influences that center around a “thin ideal” or perfectionism. Remember that physical appearance does not determine self-worth. And lastly, spread these messages of empowerment and love!

If you suspect someone you know may have an eating disorder, help them by following these tips outlined by the National Eating Disorder Association. First, learn the facts regarding eating disorders. This information can be found on the National Eating Disorder Association’s website or at student health services here on campus. Second, talk to them and be honest. Showing that you care is much more helpful than avoiding the subject just because it may be uncomfortable to talk about. Be a good role model by avoiding negative body talk and dieting obsessions. Compliment those you know on their accomplishments and personality, rather than on their appearance. Lastly, tell someone who may be able to help your friend treat their eating disorder. There is an educated community of health professionals here on campus eager to help. To learn more about campus resources or to schedule an appointment with a physician, contact Student Health Services as (541) 737-9355.

To learn more about eating disorders and how you can help prevent them, and access campus resources, participate in one of the following activities hosted by the Nutrition and Dietetics Club during National

Eating Disorder Awareness Week:

Monday, February 25th

Join us at the MU Quad from 10am-2pm to access information on eating disorders and positive body image.

Tuesday, February 26th

Tune in to KBVR Nutrition Now Radio to learn about eating disorders from a local Registered Dietitian, Therese Waterhous, who specializes in eating disorders.

Wednesday, February 27th

You can find us in the MU Quad again from 10am-2pm, as well as all throughout campus as we execute “Operation Beautiful” by posting positive messages. Join us by posting your own positive messages, either in residence halls, restrooms, at your job, or anywhere else you can, to help spread messages of love, acceptance, and positivity.

Thursday, February 28th

Join us in the Snell International Forum from 11am-12pm for a viewing of Beyond Killing Us Softly: The Strength to Resist. We will have a Q&A session after the video with a panel of professionals from OSU that work together in treating eating disorders here on campus. If you have any questions about eating disorders, this is a great time to have them answered! Light refreshments will be provided.

Individuals interested in the four-week workshop are invited to sign up for one of the following groups:

• Mondays 1:00-2:00 p.m.: Starts Week 4 – 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18
• Mondays 5:00-6:00 p.m.: Starts Week 4 – 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18
• Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Starts Week 5 – 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
• Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 p.m.: Starts Week 5 – 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
• Thursdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Starts Week 4 – 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21
• Fridays 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Starts Week 5 – 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1

Location: Student Health Services, Plageman Bldg. (Room location to be confirmed after registration.)

Registration for the class is required. Sign up online at http://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/body-empowerment-project.

Questions? Please contact Bridget Phillips at bridget.phillips@oregonstate.edu or at 541-737-3927. Accommodation requests related to a disability can also be made to Bridget Phillips.

Hollywood star Joe Pantoliano, (The Sopranos, The Matrix, The Goonies) improves his stress management skills with a visit to the CAPS Mind Spa!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  For many of us, entering college is the first time that we’re truly empowered to make our own decisions and experience the consequences.  This may bring up a mix of feelings – trepidation, exhilaration, concern, confidence, excitement – but the benefits of facing this life-step as a college student are immense.  Here are a couple:

Friday, June 8, 2012 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

For more information, contact the Student Health Services Health Promotion Department at 541 737 2775.

Keeping Your Mind Healthy:Memorial Union Quad Resource Exhibition

Imagine an exhibition hosting the resources available on and off of campus that focus onmental health help. You will see many of these resources at the MU Quad Monday, April 23rd.Come by to learn about the top ten diagnosed mental health disorders, research taking place oncampus that focuses on mental health, and resources available to those of us concerned with thehealth of ourselves and our brains.

Location: MU QuadDate: Monday, April 23Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm

Clinical vs. Situational Depression

What is the difference between clinical and situational depression? What type of depressionhave I experienced or am I experiencing? What help is available for those suffering fromdepression? How can I be connected to on and off campus resources? These questions and morewill be discussed by a CAPS professional at this event.

Location: Centro Cultural Cesar ChavezDate: Monday, April 23Time: 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Healthy Computer Use

This event explores the health impacts of computer use and how and why to decrease the timewe spend in front of screens. Digital devices deprive the brain of needed downtime and canaffect sleeping patterns when used close to bedtime. Come to this event to learn more about ourdependency on computers.

Location: Native American LonghouseDate: Tuesday, April 24thTime: 4:00pm to 5:00pm

“Madness”/Genius: A Historical Exploration

Join us to learn about historical figures that have experienced mental health issues and havebeen influential in later generations but thought of as “mad” in their own generation.

Location: Black Cultural CenterDate: Tuesday, April 24thTime: 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Meditation Classes (2)

Learn to concentrate while letting go of stress. In this one hour class you will learn severalmeditation techniques and experience a guided meditation. Class taught by Carolyn Schechtmanwho brings these techniques to Corvallis having spent more than a decade studying Meditationand Eastern Philosophy in India.

Location 1: Asian and Pacific Cultural CenterDate 1: Wednesday, April 25thTime 1: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location 2: Pride CenterDate 2: Friday, April 27thTime 2: 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Super Human Complex

The Super Human Complex: the need to commit to too many tasks. At this event we willbecome aware of the ways that this complex plays out in our daily lives and discover tools thatcan help us decide what and how much we want to commit to. We will center this event on theideas of determining priorities, knowing our values, and using mission statements as a strategy toavoid overloading ourselves.

Location: Black Cultural CenterDate: Wednesday, April 25thTime: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Positive Psychology

Come learn how to use positive psychology for stress management. Positive psychologyencourages the use of gratitude lists, recognizing your wonderful character traits and using themto their full potential, and meditation to facilitate positivity. Michelle Ribiero from OSU CAPSalong with OSU Women’s Center staff will present information and facilitate an interactivediscussion on positive psychology and how to use it.

Location: Women’s CenterDate: Thursday, April 26thTime: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Importance of Mental Health: A Cultural Lens

This presentation focuses on exploring the ways different cultures approach and value mentalhealth. A panel of students/staff/faculty from other countries will come together to discuss andanswer questions about how the importance of mental health is viewed in other cultures.

Location: Women’s CenterDate: Thursday, April 26thTime: 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Exercise for Brain Health

Learn about how exercise can influence your mental health. Research has shownthat exercise can increase the size of brain areas that shrink during depressive episodes[Phelps, psycheducation.org]. We will also discover ways to implement exercise on very smallscales when you may not have time to exercise a lot.

Location: Dixon Recreation CenterDate: Friday, April 27thTime: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

For questions or concerns please contact Jessica Armstrong at armstjes@onid.orst.edu

Monday March 5th (1:15 PM – 2:45 PM)
Memorial Union Journey Room
Free

Click on the thumbnail below for more information: