University | Stress

I've done alright stress-wise in the past couple of years. Obviously there are times when I've had a major panic and a melt down but luckily these seem to be quite sparse at the moment. When I get that stressed, I tend to also become counterproductive which leads to be even more stressed that I originally was! Never ideal. BUT I've been here before, and worse. So I know I can cope with the stress that faces me over the next couple of weeks (all the way until the 14th May - I can smell freedom!!) so I thought I'd do a little post. Just incase, like me back in year twelve, you don't really know how to cope with the stresses you are facing.

source

Lists

Although this may seem counterproductive and stress inducing at first, I promise it will be a lot easier to keep on top of everything you have to do if you can find it all in one simple, easy place. I find it so useful to list the revision topics I have to cover, or the essays I have to do and its so satisfying finally being able to tick those things off as you do it. You don't have to have this list as an obvious and stressful reminder of all the things you have to do, but its good to be able to refer to something when your mind is all a bit jumbled about!

Perspective

Once you have thought about everything you have to do, you are bound to feel a bit panicky. This is why you have to look at the tasks you have with a certain perspective. You have to think about the timescale you have to do these tasks (hopefully you are organised and aren't panicky because you've not left enough time - rooky error!). Realistically, the stress is going to be temporary so you have to focus on that. Despite how you are feeling, tell yourself that you can do this, and that the reward will be much greater than the stress you are feeling at this second.

Rewards

Something that REALLY motivates me is having rewards set up. Maybe you will say to yourself that if you write 500 words in a day, you can go out and meet your friend that evening. Sometimes, I like to set myself bigger rewards. For example, last year my lovely parents treated me and Dan to a spa day which you can read about here which was amazing because I knew that I had something to work towards and look forward to. Although this was quite an expensive treat, you can find other things that will work too - perhaps you and your housemates might organise free days out for when you are all free from exams. Maybe you have a holiday booked for the summer, or know you are seeing your family; just think of the things you have to look forward to...but make sure not to get too distracted by this!

Communicate (Early)

One of the mistakes I made when I wasn't quite sure how to deal with the stress I was feeling, was to hide it under the carpet. This was a mistake. Talk to your tutors, teachers or parents. Even just confiding in a friend will help you to get it off your chest and feel better about it all!

Hopefully these tips will help you to feel better about the things you are facing at the moment! Just remember that everything will be alright on the night and if you weren't able to achieve the things you are working towards you wouldn't be in the position you are in; no one would hired or enroll someone into their business/school/university if they didn't believe that they were capable of achieving!

What are your top tips for coping with stress?