Stress is a constant aspect of daily college life, as students balance coursework, jobs and personal responsibilities, yet many still view the pressures students face as a stigma.
Houston City College offers “Recipes for Success” workshops throughout the academic year, to curb that stigma, providing students with strategies to manage stress and improve overall well-being. The workshops are part of a broader effort by HCC to promote student wellness and success.
The Student Life department hosted its April workshops last week online via Microsoft Teams.
HCC System Counselor Ana Canek, a licensed professional counselor, led the workshop “Recipes for Success – Stress Management”, which focused on how stress impacts students academically and personally while providing tools to better cope with it.
The event drew strong participation, with up to 84 students attending at its peak.
Canek explained that stress can build up quickly when students try to manage multiple responsibilities without taking time to slow down.
“Give yourself a break,” Canek said, encouraging students to step back from overwhelming situations and prioritize their mental health. “Life goes on,” Canek added, reminding students that difficult moments are temporary.
Throughout the workshop, students were encouraged to share their own experiences and coping strategies. Participants listed hobbies such as journaling, reading, bicycling and playing video games as ways to relieve stress.
Jana Vise, Student Life Coordinator for the Online College at Houston City College, assisted during the session, engaging participants through the Teams chat and guiding discussions.
The workshop reminded participants that taking time for hobbies can help disconnect from academic pressure and focus on personal well-being.
Participants were also introduced to practical techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation and physical activity. Canek highlighted the importance of exercise and movement, noting that even small efforts, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, can make a difference in managing stress levels.
“Slow down,” Canek said, encouraging students to be more mindful of their pace and daily routines.
Another key topic of the workshop was time management, which organizers identified as a major factor contributing to student stress.
Students were advised to create schedules that account not only for classes but also for responsibilities outside of school.
The session also encouraged students to reach out to others rather than dealing with stress alone.
“Share with someone,” Canek said, emphasizing the value of communication and support systems.
The workshop provided meaningful discussion among participants and resources, including guides on stress management and mental health awareness, to continue focusing on health and well-being beyond the session.
Organizers shared materials from the Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults in the United States.
Participants were also informed of counseling services available through HCC, which offer additional support for those facing academic or personal challenges.
Vise also informed participants of beginner virtual yoga sessions hosted by HCC Student Life or HCC RecSports via Zoom.
HCC, a commuter-based college, aims to help students better understand and manage stress by providing valuable, accessible resources and encouraging open dialogue about the stress and pressure of college and daily life.
For many attendees, the session served as a reminder that success in college goes beyond academics; managing stress, staying organized and maintaining balance are important skills that can have a lasting impact on students’ lives.
For more information on health and safety resources visit Student Life Services
For future events, visit Future HCC Events or via HCC Student Life Instagram page. (@thehccstudentlife).
