As the stress levels rise this semester, remember to keep these important things in mind!
1.) You’ve gotten this far.
When stress levels get high, we all start spiralling out of control and crying to our friends that we can’t handle it or that we can’t get through it. When things start getting tough, remember that you’ve gotten this far in life. Challenges are good and resistance means that you are going the right way, so remember to fight for the things you want. Little setbacks can only stop you if you let them, so take control and knock those walls down.
2.) Professors are willing to work with you.
Not everyone learns the same way, and many professors understand this completely. If you are really struggling, talk to your professor. Most professors won’t turn you away (although unfortunately we all know that there are a few who just want their paychecks), so if you need help, go right to the source. If you’re not understanding something, go to office hours or contact your professor to set up a meeting time with them. If you’re struggling to meet deadlines because of other circumstances in your life, reach out to your professor. They can only help you if they know you need help, and it doesn’t hurt to ask. Many professors would rather you ask for help or an extension than watch you fail. They may seem like they’re out to get you, but I promise, they’re only trying to prepare you for the future in the “real world.”
3.) Don’t sweat the things you can’t control.
Things happen, and surprises can pop up over the course of the semester. You can’t let these things bother you. This is another reason why keeping an open line of communication with your professors is important. It’s much more professional to admit that you need help than to just miss the deadline. If you let the little things bother you, you’re going to become stressed out at a much faster rate than your peers and it will leave you on the constant verge of a breakdown or burnout. It’s hard not to control everything, but this is a skill that can help you keep calm under pressure.
4.) Ask questions, and when in doubt, ask for help.
Asking questions is important, and it will help you better understand the material you are trying to learn. Asking questions can also help to reduce stress. You won’t be worrying about whether or not you understand something or if you are doing an assignment correctly, and remembering this can help you along the course of the semester. This is one of the little things I mentioned earlier that can be easily remedied to help curb stress.
5.) Practice as much self-care as you need.
Self care is one of the most important things to remember. There is no such thing as too much self care; it is whatever you need to keep your mental health as clear as possible. Remember that you are only one person, and your mental health is more important than anything that might be happening with school or assignments. Don’t take advantage of it, but stopping during an assignment to do a 10 minute meditation isn’t going to make a whole lot of difference in the long run, and it could help you focus more. Instead of worrying about it, take a step back and come back refreshed and ready to kick that paper’s butt. If you are feeling your best mentally, you’ll produce your best work in half the time, so be sure to practice your self-care!