Tips and Tricks to Dealing with Uni Stress

This time of year is always a stressful one, whether you’ve just started a new diet, set yourself some pretty tough New Year’s Resolutions, or whether you’re like me and it’s the time of year where University causes a heap of stress and a collection of blemishes spreading across my face. All in all, stress is a very challenging and difficult emotion to come to terms with. If we don’t know how to cope with our own stress, it can spiral out of control and affect our mental and physical well-being, as we begin to focus solely on the cause of the stress and forget to look after ourselves.

I’m no expert, but I do believe I have found many simple things that alleviate my own stress and I thought it would be a good idea to share them, in hope that maybe some of you guys can find comfort in the ideas and perhaps try some out on your journey of coping with University stress.

Organisation, organisation, organisation.

It’s no rocket science answer, but one thing I truly believe in that can help to prevent major breakdowns over University work is to plan ahead. You’ll notice that some people around you in seminars, lectures or socials, tend to brush work off and don’t even consider looking at their assessments until it’s the week before its due. Each to their own (as some people work better at last minute pressure) but if you’re like me and something is on your mind a couple of months before it’s due, then no harm can be done to start jotting ideas down and gather your thoughts on a topic.

99 Problems but 1 Question solves them all

Another thing I do to avoid those stressful, panic moments is reaching out and asking questions. Granted, University is a very intimidating place and the academic staff aren’t as friendly as your English tutor who knew you from year 7 to the final year of sixth form. But you need to keep in mind that you’re paying a hefty fee to be in University, and if you can’t ask your tutor to explain something that you didn’t quite get in the 1-hour weekly lecture, then who can you ask? Yes, some tutors aren’t as approachable or friendly as some, but take advantage of those who want to help you and ask as many questions as you need to. It may seem ‘lame’ or ‘nerdy’ to other people, but I’ve learnt this year that attending office hours is super beneficial, so I really recommend trying it out!

Just do YOU

It’s a super hard thing to get used to but comparing yourself to others is one of the most harmful things you can do for your mental health. As we go through life, we meet people who can roll out of bed and look like a model, some can go out 5 nights a week drinking as much as they want and still pass their exams, and some can do the bare minimum and still get a first in every assessment they submit. Yet, none of that really matters in the broad scheme of things – because they’re them and you’re you. Start looking at your own abilities and what’s achievable for you – not other people. What matters most is that your best is enough and comparing yourself to others will never help you to achieve true happiness. Sure, that girl in your seminar is having a great social life and great grades but perhaps she isn’t as good as something you are amazing at. Perspective is important and University helps you to focus on yourself and to do what’s best for you.

Ditch the comfort-eating food during revision

Nothing makes me feel more sluggish than chocolate bars and bags of crisps. It may seem obvious, but many of us fall down the trap of eating junk food as a means of comforting us during times of stress. What I’ve learnt is that really, the best recipe for staying calm is to stay fit and look after your mental health. Instead of binge watching another episode of a Netflix series as your revision break, why not throw on a pair of trainers and go for a 30-minute walk? If you’re lucky enough to afford a gym membership, then take advantage of it and go for a little workout to keep your brain focused and body healthy. My New Year’s Resolution this year was to ditch my usual English Breakfast Tea and get into the habit of choosing healthy herbal teas, and I honestly cannot thank myself enough. My new personal favourite is Twinning’s Camomile and Spearmint tea, it really soothes and calms me and allows me a few minutes to relax and recharge my batteries.

Peace and Serenity

On the note of recharging your batteries, taking time out from life is a really rewarding moment. Be it turning your phone off, ignoring social media noti’s, exam revision sheets on the table next to you – any source that causes you the tiniest spectacle of anxiety cut it off. Take some time out before bed – an hour or two before you fall asleep – to find your zen and take yourself to your calm and happy place. For me, my zen is a few candles, fairy lights, a hot cup of tea and a good general book that I can lose myself in. This might be something completely different for you, but the main aim is to create an atmosphere in which nothing is causing you stress and you can slip into a mood of pure relaxation.

I hope some of these tips help you to manage your University stress a little better. You may already be doing these things, or have tried a few, or none of them at all – but I wanted to share the things I find useful in relieving my own stress in hope it can maybe help someone else out there. Good luck with University/life and kick stress’ ass x

Lauren xo

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