That overwhelming, nagging sensation telling you to do this, go there, remember that… Sound familiar? YAYYY STRESS! Something we all encounter more than we should.
While a low level of stress is normal, it is when the stress takes over that issues arise. If you are a bucket and stress is the water that fills you, too much and you overflow. Like holes in the bottom of the bucket, you need to have self-care strategies in place letting out some of the pressure. When things get hectic people stop doing the things they enjoy. ..so, do one small thing you like a day; one slightly larger thing a week and one bigger thing every month or so.
When you begin to self-doubt, “I’m never going to get this in on time” or “I can’t do this” say “STOP” in your head. Accept these are just thoughts which don’t have any power and get yourself focused on task again. Baby steps! Don’t do too much in one hit just do little bit by little bit and you will get there.
As well as doing something for yourself remember to plan ahead. Write assignment due dates on a calendar and plan out your work hours. That way you will know when you have time and when you have to work a bit harder. As well as this follow the 8:8:8 rule which is 8 hours of play, 8 hours of work and 8 hours of rest.
If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed remember there is help. For academic support, talk to your lecturer or come up to ASK and we will give you a hand. If you need more professional support the counsellors can be found in the Uni medical centre. These services are free which is exactly what we students LURVE!
~Steph