Edited by Tasmiyah Randeree
Many individuals struggle to satisfy their mental and physical health when pursuing their studies either in college or University. Students get so caught up in writing assignments and studying for tests that they don’t seem to take a break to focus on themselves. This lack of time to oneself can lead to various personal and social issues which can contribute to various mental illnesses and may even lead to a sense of worthlessness when you think about yourself. These constant, negative thoughts can contribute to a negative mindset on life, which can prevent you from achieving your full potential.
I decided to speak with two University students, Olivia and Anthony, to learn more about their experiences with the negative impacts school has had on their lives.
Anthony, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
Her Campus: How do your academic studies negatively impact your health?
Anthony: It has impacted my health because it produces various forms of stress. Mentally, I’m always trying to compete with others to stay on top of my work and complete tasks on time. I try to satisfy others around me to feel accepted with regards to my grades, so they don’t think less of me. I try to always follow my parents’ expectations and satisfy what they want me to do. In my culture, certain degrees are looked down upon. For example, a college degree is not seen as an adequate degree in the eyes of specific parents because they think that a university degree is better. They think you’re smart if you go to university but not college. Additionally, certain programs are looked down upon. For example, people praise you if you are pursuing science-related or math-related subjects, but if you’re in the humanities or arts field, many traditional parents believe that you won’t secure a high paying job. I think for me the source of stress is the fear of the future. I want a bright future and I do work hard, but I’m always scared of not making it. Sometimes, the stress comes from what’s around you including judgemental friends. Some friends may judge you for what you want to do in life and treat you with disrespect. So, trying to balance school and be the best for everyone else means that sometimes I have to give up my own happiness in the process which causes a lot of mental strain.
Her Campus: Would you say that you’ve dealt with and found ways to cope with this stress? Explain how you do.
Anthony: Yes, I surround myself with positive people like my mom. She helps me by being supportive. Also, I take time for myself by watching shows and just being happy with my own company. I have found other ways to cope with the stress, but I am always searching for new ways too. I hope everything does work out in the future, but all I can do now is work hard and stay positive.
Olivia Levy, University of Toronto St. George Campus
Her Campus: How do your academic studies negatively impact your health?
Olivia Levy: Although I love and enjoy my studies and involvement in research at the U of T, academic involvement has definitely limited the amount of sleep I’ve gotten during my time as an undergraduate. I often feel tired throughout the day, and rely on coffee more than actual hours of sleep.
Her Campus: Would you say that you’ve dealt with and found ways to cope with this stress? Explain how you do.
Olivia Levy: My active lifestyle is my primary means of coping with stress. I go for runs 3-4 times a week and do powerlifting and weightlifting training in between. Exercise helps me relieve my stress, and has contributed positively to my academics. After completing my 5 midterms this month, I was both mentally and physically exhausted. I participated in a 10km night run, and the adrenaline rush experienced from running and beating my previous 10km record boosted my mood and motivated me to keep pushing myself to my fullest potential for the rest of the semester. Achieving my goals in running motivates me to achieve my goals in the classroom.
The personal experiences of these students’ highlight that there are a lot of hidden struggles that individuals face on a daily basis. These personal testimonials convey that school can contribute to feelings of devaluation, a decrease in self-esteem and negative coping methods. I believe it is important to focus on what makes you happy and not on what others would think of that specific choice. If it makes you happy, do it. Additionally, it is important to understand that everyone moves at their own pace. Your academic life does not need to have a clock, where individuals pursue certain goals at particular ages. Therefore, take your time!
Five Tips/Tricks to Help You Stay Positive
1. Find Your Happy Place: Whether your happy place is curled up in a book, or laying out under the sun on a hot, summer day, find what place makes you happy and go there constantly. When you are in a happy place that brings you a peace of mind, you achieve true happiness.
2. Value Yourself: I’m sure there are countless things we would all want to change about ourselves. Everyone can definitely increase their self-esteem by valuing themselves for the way they are. So, when you don’t love something about yourself, whether that’s physical or mental, it is due to the way you think about that certain aspect of yourself. Start complimenting yourself, and start loving those parts you rather change, and in this way, you can be completely content with yourself.
3. Relieve Stress Through Physical Activities: Physical activity is not just limited to going to the gym. Maybe you’re a dancer or love to do yoga with friends. Whatever the case may be, go pursue some sort of physical activity that is going to keep you energized, on your feet and happy. Embrace new activities because trying new things comes with new adventures which can make you happy.
4. Treat Yourself: When you accomplish something, treat yourself. Whether that’s going to get your nails done, or doing some retail therapy after an exam, go do it. Be proud of what you achieve, the small goals and the big ones.
5. Don’t Compare/Compete with Others: Don’t ever compare your accomplishments and abilities with others around you. Your motivation to do better should not be due to another person because you should be inspired to work hard for yourself. In this way, you will eliminate toxicity and the negative perceptions you have about your capabilities. This will give you time to focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
