STRESS RECESS
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Biofeedback training
Relaxation training and biofeedback help you cope with stress, lessen general feelings of anxiety and feelings of panic, as well as specific anxieties such as speech or test anxiety. They also can be useful for headaches and pain control.

Stress and anxiety often detract from one's ability to perform both personally and academically to his/her full potential.

• Do you worry too much?
• Are you often troubled by anxious feelings?
• Do you find it hard to slow down and relax even when you have the time?
• Does it usually take you longer than 20 minutes to fall asleep at night?
• Are you easily upset or often feel "on edge"?
• Do you suffer from frequent and or intense headaches, neck pain or back pain?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, biofeedback and relaxation training may be helpful to you.

Biofeedback and Stress Management
At TAMUQ, biofeedback is most commonly used in the treatment of stress and anxiety. As you begin to experience stress or perceive danger, adrenaline is released into your body. When experiencing intense stress or danger, you can even notice an "adrenaline rush". Adrenaline speeds up your autonomic nervous system causing your heart to beat faster, your breathing to become more rapid, your muscles to tense, your mind to race, and your pupils to dilate - among other things. Your body is preparing to defend itself or run from danger. An "adrenaline rush" can be enjoyable for some people when they create it with activities such as skydiving or watching a scary movie. However, when the release of adrenaline is created by our perception that we are being overwhelmed or may not be able to handle a situation, it is not only unpleasant, but it also interferes with performance (i.e., test taking, studying or relating socially).

When we have this experience on a regular or chronic basis, it can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder and also contribute to stress related illnesses, such as digestive problems or heart disease. By learning biofeedback and relaxation, you can have more control over how your body and mind react in stressful situations. Research with college students has consistently demonstrated that students who utilize relaxation on a regular basis not only feel more at ease, but also retain more while studying and recall more during exams.

(All the above information is from Texas A&M University Student Counseling Service)

For more information about biofeedback training or information about the next workshop, contact patricia.collins@qatar.tamu.edu