SAS backs CASS and COE students’ well-being through stress and time management seminar

Report and Photo by Mary Ruth Orendain

The Office of Student Affairs and Services (SAS) conducted a time and stress management seminar entitled "From Cramming to Slaying!" on April 12, 2025, at the Engineering Building, Room 212.

The activity brought together selected students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences’ (CASS) Human Services and Psychology Department and the College of Engineering (COE), providing them with practical tips on how to manage stress and increase productivity.

Guest speaker Ms. Beverly Granadosin Sisante, who is a well-being advocate and a seasoned public speaker, led the seminar which aims to guide students in juggling both academic work and well-being. The seminar was tailored to be highly interactive, where a series of participatory exercises and discussions were meant to teach students how to balance their hectic schedules.

Ms. Sisante also led the participants through a series of easy physical exercises. The exercise was not only meant to make attendees active, but also to show the need to include physical exercises in a daily routine to combat stress. Besides this, Ms. Sisante took students through various breathing exercises, showing them how to calm their minds and regain concentration in situations of high pressure.

One of the main themes in the seminar was the difference between consistency and motivation. Ms. Sisante demonstrated that while motivation is temporary, consistency is actually what will get the job done.

“Motivation thrives on emotions,” she explained. “Kapag gumising ka ng maganda ang mood ninyo, then you become motivated, pero para siyang flame. Pwedeng mawala 'yan. It’s the consistency, 'yan ang magse-separate ng mga taong ordinary from extraordinary—'yong kahit ayaw na nila, dina-drag nila 'yung sarili nila–they show up anyway. Hindi pwedeng motivated lang tayo.”

The students were reminded that motivation alone should not be used to get work done. Rather, they were urged to create a routine and adhere to it, whether or not they feel motivated. She also touched on the need for a dedicated study area, asking students not to study in their beds. By having distinct spaces for relaxation and work, students are able to prepare themselves mentally for concentrated study.

Ms. Sisante also imparted wisdom regarding how physical well-being is very much linked to mental clarity and stress relief. She discussed the advantages of exposure to sunlight and exercise, inviting students to lead a lifestyle conducive to physical and mental wellness.

"As your body moves, your brain grooves," she emphasized, reaffirming the notion that exercise can improve mental acuity and creativity.

Throughout the session, students were reminded of the importance of sleep and self-care. She advised that adequate rest is crucial for memory retention and overall cognitive health. She also explained the difference between stress and anxiety, pointing out that while both can have similar effects on the body, managing them requires different approaches.

The seminar ended with a group activity in which CASS students were paired with COE students and asked to discuss several time management strategies and personal experiences.

During the question-and-answer session, CASS students raised a valid concern about burnout potential in trying to maintain consistency in time management habits.

With academic pressures far from diminishing, seminars such as this provide support and workshops designed to assist students both in school and in life.