Statistics on the stress levels of students reveal that 25% of students are poor at managing stress, while 58% report feeling worried about their grades. Additionally, 71% state that their grades have a direct affect on their level of stress.
Students usually have stress from:
• Their own feelings on how they are fitting in socially and academically. For many students living in a hostel this is the first time away from home.
• Expectations placed on them whether real or perceived from parents or loved ones to perform and succeed.
• Relationship stressors from dating and also from building social networks.
• Financial stressors cause excess worry and anxiety. Many students wonder how they are going to pay for their studies and some even work fulltime to help support themselves. Students are also being hurt by economic slowdowns and realize that they may not get the job of their dreams out of school.
It is very important to adopt some stress management techniques to help cope with challenges and obstacles. Like they say, prevention is far better than cure. So, I would like to recommend that everyone do at least one stress managemnet technique per day (even if it's for just 10 minutes) in order for you to be able to cope better with everyday stressful situations.
I know what some of you might be saying. Where can I find the time for a 15 minute meditation? Even 5 minutes is precious to me. Well, sure, time is precious to everyone. But here are some very simple methods that you could easily fit into your daily scehdule:
- Adapting your Progressive Muscle Relaxation technque while sitting in the Train/Bus
You could do this while simply closfing your eyes and clenching and then unclenching your fist. Focus on simple deep breathing and after your ten minute journey, guess what? You have completed a powerful stress management technique!
- Have a quick bite for breakfast
I know that lots of people do not take breakfast due to the fact that they might be rushing for their first lession for the day or rushing off to work. But take note that missing breakfast makes it more difficult to maintain blood sugar levels, which can lead to greater irritability, frustration and stress. So at least snack on some crackers or muesli bar to give you that energy needed to cope with the daily stressors.
- While with your friends, crack a few jokes.
Yes, we go back to the old saying that laughter is the best medicine. So, while you are in the canteen or food court during your break, instead of chatting what you 'could have answered differently' for a term test, make a few jokes about the latest news or stories. Have a chuckle about funny incidents at a ball game. Just joke and laugh.
Ok, I hope that you continue to enjoy your studies. And for working people, enjoy your work. But hey, it's the Easter weekend so to all those who celebrate this occasion, Happy Easter!
Enjoy!
