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> Teaching & Learning Resources > Success Skills
Stress Management
Assessing Your Stress
Jessica Kaae
2nd year Biochemistry; Great Falls, MT
I think it is kind of ironic that I am writing an
article
about stress management because, quite frankly, writing this article is
stressing me out! Of course this is due to the fact that I have
procrastinated
and am trying to submit it at the last minute. Maybe if I had referred
to the
article “To Cram or Not to Cram,” I would not be in this position right
now!
However, I bet I am not alone in this tendency. When trying to do a
balancing
act with a rigorous academic schedule, work, clubs and activities, and
any sort
of social life it is easy to get a little overwhelmed. While there is
no real
full proof plan to managing stress, I’ve found these tips to be very
helpful in
keeping my sanity when life gets busy:
- Make a “To Do” list- Instead of
letting the one million and one tasks you have to accomplish clutter
your thoughts, I suggest organizing them and making a battle plan of
attack before diving in. This will greatly increase your ability to
focus. ‘
- TAKE A BREAK!- If you are
freaking out and can’t seem to concentrate, the best thing you can do
is take a 5-30 min. break, do something distracting so you don’t dwell
on the task, and then return refreshed. Here’s a few suggestions for
good break activities:
-Something active: go
for a quick
jog, walk, shoot hoops, or walk the dog.
- Something goofy: my
friend and I
used to throw paper airplanes in the library when no one was around, or
go play
in the snow (we’ve usually got lots at MSU)
-Relaxing: close your
eyes and
listen to music (set a timer just in case), take a shower, stretch, or
get a
zen garden.
3.
Study with a buddy- two heads are
better than one and it often makesthe task seem
less tedious and
stressful when your not all alone.
- Get rest- Sleep is so
underrated! When you get enough sleep it is easier to pay attention in
class (big time saver, trust me!), concentrate, and remain healthy,
both physically and mentally! In short, except for the occasional rowdy
Friday night and/or extra study hour that is inevitable, make this a
priority.
5.
Don’t procrastinate- It is human
nature and we all do this from time to time, but if you can make it a
habit to start
assignments the day or day after they are assigned, I’d bet money
that your grades will
be better and your stress level much lower!
College can be one of
the busiest
but most rewarding times of your life, make the best of it. And if you
find
yourself stretched way too thin, take a step back and remember what is
most
important, ultimately being happy and healthy.
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