At university it can be easy to feel out of place, get lost around campus, stress out about your study load or feel unsure if you’ve chosen the right career path. Curtin offers a wide variety of services to support students but if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, here are 5 tips for remaining cool, calm and collected.
- Take a deep breath
Taking deep breaths is a quick and easy way to help yourself feel less overwhelmed. A simple breathing exercise, such as in through the nose then out through the mouth, helps release any physical tension you may be holding as a result of overwhelmed feelings.
- Avoid asking ‘what if?’
Try not to worry about things you have no control over. ‘What if’ statements give you a platform from which to worry about scenarios you may not have any say in. The less time you spend thinking about the things you cannot control, the more in control you will feel.
- Use coping statements
Learn some positive statements you can say to yourself either out loud or in your head when you feel overwhelmed. These may include ‘I’ve survived these feelings before. I can do it again,’ ‘it’s ok for me to feel this way’ and ‘I am going to be alright.’ These can help bring you back to a state of calm.
- Use your support system
Finding a support group of people who are feeling the same way you are is a great way to feel less overwhelmed. You can also talk to family and friends about your feelings and they may be able to offer tips or advice for you to take on board. Everybody wants you to succeed!
- Take care of yourself
As a student, it can be easy to get distracted by trying to stay on top of your studies, your job and your social life, so it’s important you look after yourself. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat well and exercise to make sure you’re the best you can be!
University can be an overwhelming place, but it’s important to remember there are services and wellness techniques available to support you and your journey. Try using these 5 tips when you next feel overwhelmed, to put yourself in the best position for success and positivity.
