Ask college students if they enjoy the stress of classes, tests and jobs and the answer will probably be a resounding "No."

However, new research supports the theory that stress might have health benefits. In an article in Women's Health Magazine, several recent studies claimed short-term stress, like from cramming for a test, can boost the immune system and broaden mental capacity.

Art Rathbun, counselor at University Counseling Services and biofeedback specialist, said the biggest student stress he sees is people adjusting to collegiate life when first arriving. Throughout college, Rathbun said the beginning and ending of relationships, choosing a career path in the tough economy, threats about the future and grades are what worry students the most.

"I would say that I feel stress every day," said Melissa Dalton, junior in animal sciences and industry. "It comes from juggling work and school and always having to choose between them."

In the article, researchers emphasize that there must be relaxation time after being stressed to allow the body to heal. Without giving the body time to recover from harmful stress, it becomes tired and receives none of the potential benefits of stress.

"If I try to relax while I'm stressed, I just feel more stressed because every day I either have work or school or both, and I know there are things I should be doing," Dalton said.

Dalton said when she has a day off work, she tries to take the day for herself so she can relax a little.

Stress for college students might seem never-ending, making it hard to find time to unwind with other more pressing issues. Andrea Dugan, junior in animal sciences and industry, said she feels more stressed after she takes a break.

"I like to watch TV or read to relax, but the whole time I know that I could be studying or being productive, but I'm watching TV instead," Dugan said.

Students often have many obligations beyond class — they are employees, members of clubs and greek houses, graduate school hopefuls and friends. Being pulled in so many directions can take its toll.

"It is really hard to do homework and study for tests while also trying to get into vet school and preparing for the interview," Dugan said.

For Dugan, she said she feels stressed about twice a week.

Rathbun said the key to stress is learning what amount is right for an individual and learning to manage stress in a healthy way.

"The only way to not have stress is to be dead," Rathbun said. "The key is to find the best amount of stress for you — some people function best under more stress and others prefer fewer stressors.

"We're learning more and more that those who learn the skills to manage stress and have their ideal amount of stress are more successful, more productive, healthier and happier."

According to the Women's Health article, new research is refuting the idea that stress can make a person sick. Unless the person is already sick, the human body is strong enough to combat the negative effects of stress and ward off long-term damage.

"I don't think stress gets to me enough to make me sick," Dalton said. "I'm so used to it that it doesn't affect me much anymore."

Rathbun said some students do develop health problems, depression and significant anxiety associated with stress, but these problems develop because of difficulties with managing and dealing with stress, not because of stress itself.

"If a person's whole life seems to be chaos and they are not taking care of themselves, that can sometimes trigger health problems — but not always," Rathbun said.

Living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly, though, should be enough for students to manage stress, Rathbun said. Exercise can also be a relaxation tool because it helps the body overcome stress.

Rathbun offered several other tips to handling stress. First, a good diet can be very helpful in dealing with stress. Sleep is also necessary, with an ideal amount of between eight and nine hours, although seven hours works for some, Rathbun said.

"Find out what you need and try to consistently get enough sleep because the sleep deficit has to be paid sometime," Rathbun said.

A support system or good friends and family make life easier and will help students deal with problems, along with the support system offered by K-State, Rathbun said.

Relaxation tips are available at Counseling Services, or students can also go online to UniversityLifeCafe.com. It is a K-State supported Web site that offers ways to relax and an outlet for students who are stressed, depressed, struggling with classes and other issues college students experience.