SCHOOL STRESS & ANXIETY

Seeing as how the semester is coming to an end for many of you students I thought it would be appropriate to discuss stress and anxiety. School can become very stressful, especially towards the end of the semester when everything feels like it’s inconveniently due at the same time.

I myself have experience major anxiety during exam period. Thankfully I got help for my anxiety and would like to share some tips for recognizing anxiety, ways to deal with stress and most importantly deal with everything as calmly as possible.

STUDY & STRESS TIPS

A great way to deal with the schoolwork and stress piling up is ORGANIZATION. Check out your course outlines early in the semester and write everything down in your agenda (often offered for FREE by your school). This way you will be able to stay up to date with upcoming due dates.

Another tip is making a STUDY SCHEDULE, time allocation is important especially when you have a bunch of chapters, assignments and papers to do for more than on class. Creating a study schedule will allow you to manage your time and even include a relaxing lazy day where you can sleep in, go for a walk and just focus on yourself.

ANXIETY

Recognizing the difference between nerves and anxiety can be crucial to your academic career and most importantly you grades. As a student I experienced major exam anxiety and would often black out during exams even though I was totally prepared! This happens to a number of people and thanks to a counseling department at my school I was able to recognize this and get help with stress coping skills. Don’t be ashamed of feeling so nervous that you cannot perform at your best. Your school, colleagues and professors are there to help you. Here are some stress coping methods I received;

1. Before entering your exam, picture yourself sitting in the examination room (try visiting the room before hand so that you can accurately do this).
2. When anxiety starts and you feel that tightness in your chest, heart palpitations, etc. focus on regulating your breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale through your mouth. Continue this process until you’ve regulated your breathing.
3. Once you are in your exam, when you get to a question you don’t understand MOVE ON and go back to it later. Its best to focus your energy on questions you are most prepared for. Once those are completed, go back to the questions you weren’t sure about.

I hope these tips were helpful! Everyone handles stress differently, if you feel you are experiencing anxiety that is keeping you from performing your best seek out help from a counselor at school.

Sometimes it’s important to be reminded to BREATH!