When you're feeling stressed, managing your study commitments can get overwhelming.
Stress is a natural human response to pressure when faced with challenging situations. The causes of stress are different for everyone but too much stress can have a negaitive effect on your health, wellbeing, relationships, work and general enjoyment of life.
Typical signs of stress
- Feeling exhausted or fatigued all the time
- Headaches
- Struggling to concentrate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling agitated or hyperactive
- Feeling depressed or tired, unable to get on top of things
- Procrastination and ambivalence, can’t make a decision
- Change in eating patterns
- Use/increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Relationship problems and sexual issues
This may be a good time for self-reflection. What do you think is causing this stress? Can you get a handle on it? Do you think you may need to ask for help?
What can you do?
There are many ways you can manage stress. This can include changing the way you do things or changing the way you think.
- Break big tasks into smaller parts and take one step at a time
- Take time out - taking breaks helps you to focus
- Take care of your body - maintaining a healthy lifestyle can assist in times of stress
- Do things that you find relaxing - read a magazine, take a walk, practise yoga, meditation and relaxation exercises
- Talk to your lecturer or tutor if you're having significant trouble managing your study requirements
- Get in touch with one of the mental health support services on campus
- Talk to someone from the Guild Student Assist Department if you have issues related to financial, academic or welfare issues