Coping with stress
HI!
It's National Stress Awareness Day...here in the office we took the BBC online test to so how stressed we are: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24756311
Needless to say we all scored pretty highly on the stress chart and it was good to identify what particular behaviours can be related to stress.
University life is stressful and we are all guaranteed to feel stressed or pressured at some stage during our University experience; however it is important to know this is normal and understand how to cope with stress.
Stress can be caused by a busy schedule, approaching deadlines, money issues or our relationships with those close to us.
The BBC offers many tips about how to cope with stress:
1) Try to identify the source of your stress.
2) Talk to someone about your problems. Sharing your problems will help to reduce stress.
3) When you are stressed, don’t just sit back and hope it will end – take control of the situation. Feeling like you are not in control is often what makes people feel most stressed.
4) Make sure you invest in relationships with friends and family, as these are the people that will be able to help you through stressful times.
5) Exercise and relaxation techniques may not solve problems, but they can help put you in the right frame of mind to do so.
I think it’s really important to have a structured lifestyle that balances University work, jobs, extra-curricular activities, relationships and time to take a break. I know from experience of being a very busy student that it can feel all-consuming at times; but it’s important to take a deep breath and step away from the situation to reflect on everything. It is really easy to feel overwhelmed but things are never as bad as they feel at the time and I believe a cup of tea is the remedy to most of life’s stresses.
It is also important to remember you are not alone at University. Here at the Student Union we are here for you; if you want to come in and have a chat we are on level 3 of the University Centre.
We also have fortnightly mental health forums held in the Student Union meeting room on level 3 of the University Centre. The next one is on the 14th November at 4pm and anyone is welcome to pop along.
We also have a fantastic Student Services department at the University; they are in the Zone in main building.
So in the words of the great Bob Marley….Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
Meg :)
