There’s no doubt about it, studying at university can be stressful. Between classes, readings and assignment deadlines, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. It’s important to have techniques and activities in place that can help you stay calm, motivated and level-headed. Here are 6 tips for coping with stress and anxiety.
- Be productive
Sometimes, you might find yourself faced with a long list of tasks, and no idea where to start. Anxiety around your studies can lead to procrastinating and putting them off. This only makes things worse, as deadlines get closer and you lose motivation. So, instead of procrastinating, find another way to be productive. Make a list of all the things you want to do (but never seem to get around to) and complete them. Some ideas include cleaning out your wardrobe, redecorating your room or yard maintenance. Doing activities like this can help you feel accomplished.
- Have a safe space
You want your space to be somewhere you feel safe and relaxed. Some great ways to add a sense of calm to your space are to declutter it, opening curtains to let in natural light, having a calming scent such as lavender from a candle or diffuser, and playing relaxing music. You want your space to be somewhere that you associate with being at peace so it can help minimise stress.
- Create a motivation wall
A great way to stay calm is to stay motivated. Create a motivation wall by filling a space or creating a poster with inspirational quotes, lyrics you enjoy, words of motivation and images of things you love. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking at your motivation wall can be a great way to calm down, be inspired and remember what is important to you.
- Sleep
The best way to cope with stress is on a good night’s sleep. Having a regular sleep routine and being well-rested can help you be less impulsive and can regulate your mood. Having a sleep routine can also create a sense of structure in your daily life which can help combat stress. Avoiding caffeine and minimising time on devices before you go to bed can prevent a restless night of sleep.
- Meditate
Meditation is a great way to find a sense of calm and balance. It can help to clear your brain and harness your ability to find your balance. Meditation is great for dealing with stress as it can teach you how to prevent your mind from wandering. It can also provide breathing techniques that can help with staying calm.
- Reach out if you need help
You’re not alone. If you feel stressed or anxious about your studies or a personal issue, the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service is available by phone or email to help you. Talking to a Student Wellbeing Advisor can help you work through your stress, as well as provide you access to further resources depending on your personal situation and needs.
No matter what, it is important to look after yourself. Try to apply these tips to your daily routine as a way to practice mindfulness and manage any stress and anxiety that may arise.
Written by public relations student Taysha Sullivan and edited by professional writing and publishing student Abbey Carson
