by Paula Bowker
Daily Lobo
Omar Ahmed says keeping a positive attitude is the first step in dealing with stress.
"There are events in life that you cannot control," said Ahmed of the American Cancer Society.
Ahmed spoke at a panel discussion about dealing with stress at the SUB on Wednesday.
He said 75 percent of ailments are stress-related and can lead to six of the leading causes of death - heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, sclerosis of the liver, accidents and suicide.
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The Staff Council Work-Life Committee wanted the discussion to focus on the possibility of balancing work and life while being stress free, said Karin Retskin, an administrative assistant with Staff Council.
Ahmed discussed techniques to help reduce stress and organize one's life. He explained how stress becomes harmful to the body when one uses caffeine, alcohol, drugs and nicotine. When people try to reduce stress with a quick fix, it only prolongs the stress, he said.
Student John Sumrow said he didn't know what to expect when he came to the discussion.
"It was an eye-opener," he said.
Ahmed also pointed out there are events in life one cannot control and said people should be assertive, not aggressive, when in the workplace or at school.
"Don't become angry, passive or defensive," Ahmed said.
Barbara Gabaldon, who works in the Office of Academic Affairs, agreed with this tip.
"I really think it is important to be assertive rather than aggressive, because people get angry when they shouldn't be, and it can lead to people not listening to you anymore," Gabaldon said.
Ahmed said getting enough sleep, exercising regularly in moderation, seeking out social support and learning to manage time more effectively are key to dealing with stress.
"Do what feels comfortable with you so it will last longer," Ahmed said.
Many people also seem to deny they are stressed and do not listen to their bodies, he said.
"We seem to treat our cars better than ourselves," Ahmed said. "When our car is empty on gas, we fill it. We do not do the same for ourselves all the time."
Walking somewhere every day can also help, because it gives those who are stressed time to think and be in the fresh air, Ahmed said, adding that parking in the farthest parking spot is a good way to get exercise for people strapped for time.
Ahmed said having enough time in your day to enjoy activities is important.
"We spend so much time on things we do not care about," Ahmed said.
People also have balance blockers in their lives that restrict them from goals and moving forward in life.
"Being hung up on perfection or appearance or putting others before yourself constantly can lead many to stress and cause them not to move forward," Ahmed said.
Students and faculty also need to schedule time for themselves every day, even if it is only for 20 or 30 minutes.
He advised students and faculty to envision themselves doing what they want to do in the future and to hire a personal coach who can help them with their goals. Ahmed said this could either be a peer or significant other who knows them and can help make a plan.
