“How stressed are you,” was the question asked Monday night at a stress management workshop. The workshop, entitled “The Constant Change of Life – Coping With Stress and Relaxation Techniques,” was given by guest lecturer Ollie Mae Ray, Ph.D. A crowd of 91 people, including students, faculty and locals came to hear Ray’s lecture, held in Roberson Auditorium.

“Stress will affect your health,” Ray said. She explained the behavioral signs of stress affecting life can include: increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, job or school burnout, crying or yelling and sleep disturbance, too much or too little.

Ray also explained that students should be more aware of the actual physical signs stress can take in the form of a sudden pounding heart, excessive perspiration, migraine or tension headaches, cold hands and or feet, trembling with nervous tics and the grinding of teeth.

Audience members interacted with Ray throughout the presentation as she guided them through stress management techniques including breathing exercises and stretching and tightening techniques. Ray concluded the presentation with a 20 minute guided exercise that taught the audience to control blood flow through their bodies.

“I didn’t realize I wasn’t managing my stress like I should be doing,” said Jennifer Hyser, a senior social sciences major. “I had never heard of the technique where you move the blood from your abdomen to your arms before.”

Monday marked the third year Ray has presented the workshop.