As we are now in the last term of this academic year, it can be a time of a stress what with final deadlines and exams.
So, we’ve got some helpful tips on how to manage stress from a current NTU Construction Project Management student!
It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The exams are coming just around the corner and you have yet to revise, time is running short. But you have a lot more control than you might think. Stress management is all about taking charge of your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems.
If you’re living with high levels of stress already without the added stress of exams, you’re putting your entire wellbeing at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. The goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. However, stress management is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. The following stress management tips can help you do that:
TIP 1: IDENTIFY THE SOURCES OF STRESS IN YOUR LIFE
This isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. While it’s easy to identify major stressors such as changing friends/relationships, exams, or a going through a family issues, pinpointing the sources of chronic stress can be more complicated. It’s all too easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours contribute to your everyday stress levels. To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude and excuses.
TIP 2: CONNECT TO OTHERS
There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. So, make it a point to connect regularly, and in person, with family and friends. They simply need to be good listeners. In addition, try not to let worries about looking weak or being a burden keep you from opening up. The people who care about you will be flattered by your trust. By building and maintaining a network of close friends you can improve your resiliency to life’s stressors.
TIP 3: MAINTAIN BALANCE WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
• Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.
• Reduce caffeine and sugar, they’re not good in the long run. The temporary ‘highs’ caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better. Also look to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
• Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.
TIP 4: LEARN TO RELIEVE STRESS IN THE MOMENT
When you’re frazzled by your morning commute to university, stuck in a stressful student dorm, or inside examination room, you need a way to manage your stress levels. That’s where quick stress relief comes in. The fastest way to reduce stress is by taking a deep breath and using your senses—what you see, hear, taste, and touch—or through a soothing movement. The key to quick stress relief is to experiment and discover the unique sensory experiences that work best for you.
Don’t forget that in term three, NTU and NTSU run the Stamp Out Stress campaign to provide you with support, advice and activities to help you combat stress throughout exams. You can read some top tips here or break up your day and join an activity here.
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
Healthy NTU 