I have four exams, three presentations, and an internship hunt all up in my business this month, yet I’m still writing this blog to protect your sanity.
Real Talk
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed is normal. You won’t always be happy or fully satisfied, and not everything will be perfect, but that’s just the way life goes. Without any downs, you won’t have any ups. Therefore, it is better to recognize the feelings you’re experiencing and learn to accept them rather than ignore them and choose to live with them. Once you have accepted them, your stress will start to diminish piece by piece. That is only the first step.
The Impact of Studies on Mental Health
In university, the main cause of your stress and anxiety is probably your studies. Being stressed and anxious can affect your concentration and memory, which makes studying less effective and efficient. In order to be able to study and do your work without feeling like you’re wasting your time, it is key to maintain your emotional well-being. This is where you must deal with things other than your studies.
Step 1: Build Your Support System
You have to make sure to have your support system built. You need to surround yourself with positive energy coming from people you think are supportive, whether it's a family member, a friend, a significant other, or even a university resource such as a counselor. If you’re feeling lonely, always remember that there is at least one person who cares about you and is there for you. So, make sure to have them by your side.
Step 2: Set Boundaries and Priorities
You should have the willingness to say no to things that you don’t feel like doing or don't find relevant. This way, you set your own boundaries. Setting boundaries leads to your ability to set your priorities. Decide what’s important to you, such as which school subjects matter the most. Find your strengths and weaknesses and classify your long- and short-term goals. Don’t forget the foundation of your priorities: your mental health.
Step 3: Balance Academics and Hobbies
When you have your priorities straight, you will have the ability to find a way to balance your academics and hobbies, which brings you to the third step of maintaining your emotional well-being. Try a new hobby! When you learn something new, you feel refreshed and motivated. And if you aren’t really interested in trying a new hobby, you can engage in hobbies that you believe bring you joy. Whether it’s cooking, painting, or playing football, you will grow both personally and creatively.
Step 4: Express Your Emotions
Never let your emotions get bottled up. Talking about the way you’re feeling, no matter the emotion, will help you process your emotions better. You have the support system you have already built to talk to. And if you’re looking for professional advice and help, never feel ashamed to talk to a therapist or school counselor.
By the way, Constructor University has implemented the Student Health Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support the well-being of its students.
Beyond Emotions: Daily Routine Matters
Emotional well-being isn’t the only factor that contributes to relieving stress. The daily routine you establish plays an important role as well.
You must get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep every night and align it within a schedule to have proper mealtimes. This will create a steady sense of self-control in your life. It might seem difficult, especially when considering the effect social media has on the world, but avoiding using your phone in the mornings and limiting your screen time during the day will help avoid information overload and self-comparison burnout. Staying within your reality will help you focus on what genuinely matters to you.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation will ease your mind and calm you down, improving your focus and reducing the anxiety and stress you are feeling. If you’re not the type of person to sit down and meditate to feel relaxed, exercise will benefit you more. Whether it’s walking, running, going to the gym, or playing a sport, it’s an instant mood booster. And always remember to stay hydrated. This will keep you away from feeling both mental and physical fatigue.
Exam Season Survival: Smart Studying and Avoiding Burnout
While your daily mental health maintenance builds a strong core to your life in general, exam season always feels like you were hit by a bus.
You can start off by managing your time to make sure you cover all topics needed for your exams while also not overloading yourself with work. Creating a schedule, labeling what every day or week should be dedicated to, will help you study at a steady pace and avoid any cramming at the last minute.
The duration you study is not what you should be focusing on; instead, you should direct your energy into the way you study. Burnout can occur easily during exams. In order to avoid it, you can try different study techniques. It might seem a bit basic and played out, but the Pomodoro Technique works best: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. If you feel like 25 minutes won’t be enough for you before taking a break, you can alter the time based on your preferences. However, you have to keep in mind that committing to the technique is what will make it work. Try keeping breaks short enough to not get you distracted, but long enough to make sure it is efficient to continue studying. Keep track of your time and deadlines to avoid any panicking the night before your exam.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
University can feel like a lot, because it is a lot. But you’re doing better than you think. Just remember to check in with yourself, set your limits, and don’t forget the people who care about you. Some days will suck, and that’s normal. Take it one step at a time. Protect your peace, back yourself, and keep going. You’ve got this.
