How to Manage Stress When You’re a Student
Student life tends to be thought of as a time for having a great deal of fun and enjoying your new-found freedom.However, being a student can be extremely stressful too, and many students dropout because of the effects of stress on their health. The pressure of being a student can have devastating effects if left untreated, so if you experience any symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or any reduction in your quality of life, it’s essential to get help.
Stress isn’t all bad, in fact, it plays an important role in preparing you for tests and keeping you going when under pressure. The problem arises when your stress reaches a level where it’s continuous, and your body is given no chance to recover from the effects of the stress hormones that are released when you’re under pressure. Left unchecked, stress can affect your academic achievements, your long-term health, and your prospects for a happy, rewarding life in the future.
The key symptoms of stress include:
- Irritability, aggressiveness, impatience; a feeling of being wound-up
- Feeling you have too much to cope with
- Feeling anxious, nervous or afraid
- Finding it hard to switch off, like your mind is constantly racing
- Feeling low or depressed
- Not enjoying life, and losing interest in activities you normally enjoy
- Biting your nails, picking at your skin, grinding your teeth
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Turning to food, alcohol, or drugs to relieve your feelings
- Muscle tension and stiffness
- Problems sleeping
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Indigestion or stomach upsets
If you identify with any of these symptoms, go and see your GP and tell them how you’re feeling. Make a list of all your symptoms before you attend your appointment, so you don’t forget anything. Your doctor can make sure there’s nothing else causing your symptoms, such as an infection or anemia, and will recommend an appropriate treatment; usually medication, therapy, or a combination; however, self-care is also vital to reduce stress levels.
There are many ways to alleviate stress, and you may need to experiment with different approaches to see which methods help you the most. Learning to relax is vital, so explore the various relaxation techniques available such as yoga, mindfulness, relaxation exercises, Tai Chi, and meditation.
You’ll also benefit from a therapeutic massage, which relaxes both your mind and body. Have a look at the options available at treatment centres near you, such as heavenandearthmassage.co.uk, as there are a number of different forms of massage therapies and price packages on offer.
If studying is causing you stress, speak to your tutors and ask for their advice. It could be that you’re struggling with your studies because you need more help to grasp certain concepts, and they’ll be able to help you through this problem. You should also seek help from support services on campus, as they are there to help students with any kind of problem that’s affecting their education and wellbeing.
Don’t suffer in silence if you are feeling under stress. There is help available, and you can do a lot to help yourself too, with the right guidance and support.
Category: Health
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