Managing Student Stress at University

Techniques to Lower Anxiety on Campus and Off

University life is stressful thanks to homework, group projects, public speaking, teacher expectations, personal relationships, sharing living space, lack of sleep, part-time work, tight finances, maintaining a scholarship and worries about launching a career upon graduation.

Elizabeth Scott MS, a.wellness coach and health educator, says that stress can be anything that, "causes physical, emotional or psychological strain." This can have many adverse effects on your health. When your health is compromised, your ability to do assignments and focus in class is limited, so it is important that you learn strategies to overcome it before your grades are negatively effected.

According to Melinda Smith, M.A. Senior Editor, and Robert Segal, M.A., Managing Director and Co-Publisher at helpguide.org, to de-stress, you should, "focus on what makes you feel calm and in control." Some strategies to take control of your life are:

1. Schedule Tasks: Having a schedule can help you plan in advance for big projects or events that are coming up. You can use portable day planners, calendars, or schedule applications that you can get on your smart phone to help you plan your days. Schedules are important because, "[w]hen you're stretched too thin and running behind, it's hard to stay calm and focused," according to Smith and Segal. If you know when you have important things to do, you will know when you can fit in time to relax and have fun.
2. Prioritize Immediate Obligations: Plan what assignments, projects, and tasks need to be done first, then schedule when you will work on them and give yourself some wiggle room in case things take longer than expected. If you set aside these times in advance, you are more likely to commit to them, and your projects are likely to be completed sooner. Health Canada (2007) states that to avoid stress, you should "[a]void putting things off," and this is easier once you know your priorities.
3. Select a Specific Study Spot: Some places are more conducive to studying than others. For example, the library may be better than your bedroom because there are fewer distractions and less likelihood that you'll fall asleep. Find the one that works for you and stick to it.
4. Balance Work and Play: Work and school are both important, but it is essential that you also give yourself time to have fun. According to Smith and Segal, some things you can do to de-stress are: go for a walk, call a friend, read a book, get a massage, write in a journal, or have a good workout. Another way to eliminate stress from your daily life is to incorporate basic meditation techniques into your schedule. This can be just as simple as deep breathing and being aware of where you are in the moment.

Consequences of Built-Up Stress

Dealing with stress is difficult, and people don't always use these positive coping techniques. Some negative coping mechanisms include drinking excess alcohol, turning to illegal drugs, taking anger out on friends or loved ones, or isolating yourself.

These ways of coping can be harmful to your health as well as to your relationships with your family and friends.Your positive coping skills should outweigh your negative coping skills for healthy stress resolution. To find out your status, check out this stress test tool to print and fill out.

University students have many stresses to deal with, so anything that can alleviate some of this stress is helpful. Following some or all of these recommendations can gradually increase your sense of control on your life and ultimately decrease stress.