A small level of stress can be positive as it gives you that extra burst of energy to complete assessment tasks, general homework and can even help you perform will in sporting activities! Once you actually complete what you set out to do, you tend to relax and continue with your day-to-day routine.
It is when you are unable to relax and start to experience physical, emotional, and mental responses such as headaches, sadness, and anxiety that stress becomes negative. An overload of stress can seriously affect your health (physical and emotional), productivity and relationships. This is certainly not beneficial to your academic success, which is why it is vital that you learn how to manage stress.
Managing stress starts with being able to identify its sources. There real sources of stress are not always obvious because it’s sometimes easy to overlook your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can induce stress. For example, if you are becoming stressed about school deadlines, it could be your procrastination that creates this stress.
Some tips to help manage stress:
Exercise
Physical activity can help burn away feelings of frustration or tension. It also releases endorphins, which boost your mood and will make you feel better while also being a distraction to whatever it is that is bothering you. Start small with ten-minutes of exercises a day to see hot it feels to you!
Be social
Communicating with others is a sure-fire way to feel better! Sitting down and letting people know what is bothering you will make you feel safe and understood. Try talking to someone you trust so that you grow accustomed to talking to others instead of bottling up your problems.
Accept things you cannot change
There are some things that cannot be altered, no matter how much we try. Serious stress inducers will happen whether we want them to or not- so learning to cope with what is happening is your best option. Try to look for the upside in every situation as well as learning to forgive others for their mistakes.
Healthy eating
Eating healthily increases your physical, emotional, and mental energy. Do not rely on caffeine and sugar to boost your energy levels as they will actually have the reverse effect. You will sleep poorly, and experience responses associated with negative stress.
Mental health resources:
- Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace: headspace.com
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800respect.org.au
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health: embracementalhealth.org.au
Klara Manenica
Head of Mulrooney