CampusIntel

So, right now I find myself in a situation where I’m (as my boyfriend likes to point out) ‘burning the candle at both ends’ (meaning I’m doing so much that I’m bound to burn out fast). This being said I’m much happier with things to do, but they do admittedly get a little overwhelming sometimes and I often feel the need to invest in a punching bag around say exam times….So, with these overwhelming thoughts in mind along with a recent class discussion on stress I thought it would be an appropriate time to sit back, relax and write about stress…and how to deal with it if you’re a student.

1. Expect and accept that stress is going to be a part of your life: Ok so it’s unreasonable to think that you can avoid stress altogether. No matter who you are you’re going to be in situations that cause you stress. This is especially true for students as they deal with a lot of competition, deadlines and pressures in classes, studies, life goals and work. It’s an important time in our lives undoubtedly so really…if there aren’t stressful situations in your life it might actually be cause for concern. A little stress can be good if dealt with and used correctly (honestly! It can help you develop resilience, help you grow as a person or develop new skills or strengths and definitely help you to develop coping mechanisms).

2. Manage your time effectively/organize yourself: Often times I find myself making little mental notes of things I need to do…sometimes simple things like reply to emails, schedule a hair appointment, start that assignment, etc. When I’m making these mental notes, I think I’ll remember them before it’s too late…The problem is, even if you’re making note of little things they’re bound to add up and become a LOT of little things you’ve forgotten to do (or things you’ve forgotten altogether) and this can cause stress. So, make lists…I don’t mean you’re your room with thousands of little sticky-notes. I mean make one or two list(s) of the things you have deadlines for (maybe one for school and one for daily life), and note when things need to be done and when you want to do them (i.e. goals for the weekend). Another thing you can do is use a calendar and write due dates and when you need to do what (i.e. read 2 chapters Sat)…this being said…if you DO use a calendar, make sure you actually look at it. Also, make sure you’re not scheduling too much in short periods of time.

3. Know how to deal with stress when it arises: Here’s what I took from that lecture the other day. An optimistic individual will often live a less stressful life than a pessimist as they usually see stressful or unfortunate events as opportunities. They take the time to assess the situation and often determine it to be something that they can grow from and NOT something that happened to them because they ‘deserved’ it or something that is impossible to get over or that is destructive to all aspects of their life. This being said, my advice is, when you know you’re going to encounter a stressful situation: first, step back and assess the situation as a way to grow. Second, collect the resources you need to overcome it (ex: for an exam, go to class, take notes, read the chapters, give yourself time to do this all and create a study schedule so you’re ready for the exam when it comes). Third, if the outcome is bad, try and see it as a learning experience and something to work on and grow from and not as the end of the world. If the outcome is good…then celebrate!

4: Expect the unexpected: when things come up that you haven’t planned for (such as, an assignment you forgot was due, you’re called into work on short notice, the people in the apartment above you are having a loud party when you’re studying, etc.) you’re bound to get stressed, just remember to take a deep breath (maybe scream into a pillow or punch a punching bag to let it all out) then collect yourself and follow the steps just like any expected stressor. If you deal with an unexpected stressor the same way you deal with an expected one you’ll be fine.

5. Make time for yourself: Finally, with all the hassle of things to do, you’re bound to find yourself losing hold of your social life…now before you’re known as the friend M.I.A. step back and see if you’re making time for yourself. By this I mean, make time just to chill out for a bit. It doesn’t have to be anything extensive or often or for a long period of time, but make sure you do take breaks or you WILL burn out (believe me…take this advice from a fellow burning candle).