It can drive a man to his grave. It can cause him to drop from cardio-arrest and cancer cells to multiply. It can cause hair to fall out in clumps, weight-gain or weight-loss and the hand to reach for a bottle of Jack Daniels while falling from a bar stool.It can cause too much sleep or lack of sleep. It can cause a girl to weep, weep, weep. This natural disaster is stress.Brian Prince, a junior business major, is stressed from lack of rest. He is stressed when put to the test and when not dressed for the best.”Sex is a great stress reliever, but if that is not an option, then I will ride my mountain bike into the hills,” said Prince.”Prince has the right idea as far as stress relievers are concerned,” said Roxy Cortolano, a psychologist in Shreveport, La.According to Cortolano, although scientists and doctors are not certain of the exact effect stress has on the brain, they are certain activities such as exercise, meditation, downtime, journaling, listening to a favorite song and venting to friends aid to stress reduction.Different causes of stress can be worrying, perfectionism, competition, hurrying, school, finances, dating, athletic events, moving and illness, according to the SHSU counseling service.Some stressors may be minor hassles such as daily annoyances, traffic jams or lost car keys, while others may be due to major changes such as births, deaths, promotions, marriage and divorce, according to SHSU counseling service.”People should realize that stress can be motivating as well as a good energy source,” said Cortolano, “but too much of it, like many other things in life, can hinder the body and the brain.”Warning signs of too much stress include: exhaustion/fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, weight changes, health problems, decreased productivity, increased anger, and frustration, according to SHSU counseling service. The SHSU counseling service suggests the following stress coping strategies in order to avoid an overload: develop a support system by talking with friends, family or a counselor; change your attitude; give yourself a pep talk; or get organized. The service also suggests taking charge, taking breaks, getting physical exercise. Finally, learning to relax, slowing down, laughing or getting a hobby can help students cope with stress.”College students are perfect targets for stress. It is a new world; a major change is made, not to mention the pressure of staying in school with the struggle to maintain sanity,” said Cortolano.”While some choose to drown their sorrows in a bottle and pop pills, I simply suggest diving into the pool for a refreshing swim. Exercise is bliss. Stress is easily relieved- you just have to pick you reliever,” said Cortolano.SHSU Counseling Center offers stress and anxiety management related groups. The Counseling Center is located across from the Lee Drain Building and can be reached at 936-294-1720 or visit their Web site at www.shsu.edu/counsel.