Going through university without feeling stressed is more likely than you winning the lottery, sorry to break it to you. However, as you enter this next chapter it's super important to take care of yourself and also to help out other students who will most likely be feeling the same! We've compiled a list of how to manage stress at uni.
1. Eat well
We get it, you were up late, you have a 9 AM lecture, and feel like you don't have the time for breakfast. But how are you going to last if you have no energy? Making time to eat good nutritious and filling foods can go a long way for everyone. Trying to concentrate on an empty stomach or a diet of Red Bulls for breakfast unfortunately isn't going to get you far.
Top tip: Meal prep your meals! Now you might have to sacrifice a part of your evenings to do this, but making your breakfast in advance can save you time! Even if you're eating it on the go or before your lecture starts. You'll be feeling more fuelled and ready to take on the day! But this goes for all meals, lunches, snacks, dinner even dessert!
2. Exercise: A Sweaty Form of Meditation
Exercise causes your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve your mood. Whether you're on a run, tackling the soul out of someone in rugby, or even spending an hour in the gym, exercising can release endorphins that can kick the stress to the curb and leave you feeling a lot better.
3. Meet new people!
It can be nerve-wracking to meet new people and even build friendships, but it’s important to get involved! Everyone is feeling the same; stressed, scared, hungover and wondering where the nearest maccies is. Take the leap and knock on the door to your next-door neighbour in your dorm, ask the person next to you in the lecture for a coffee or even join a uni society! Joining a group where they all have the same interests as you is a great way to connect with new people!
Making new friendships away from home is important, building a group of friends who you can support, rely on and make memories with is one of the greatest things about university!
4. Embrace Your Inner Zen Master
Taking a moment each day to unwind, meditate, breathe, or practice something that helps you relax is super important too! A few minutes of mindfulness can help to run over how you may be feeling at a particular moment and think a little more clearly. You’ll feel much calmer, and you have taken a minute, went over how you feel and breathed. Taking time to destress is vital and that includes taking breaks from studying or even going out with your mates on a night out! Whatever helps you to relax!
5. Talk it Out
Talking helps lighten the load, and your plant may not give you the best advice (sorry, Fern). Plus, your friends probably have their own hilarious stress stories to share, turning your woes into a comedy special! Find someone who can hear you out occasionally, whether that be a friend, a member of your family or if you’re up to it a therapist. Holding it in and bottling it up could be detrimental to your health, talking and expressing yourself can help relieve that weight off your shoulders.
6. Time management
Time management as a student is something you will need to invest in. Make time for studying, time to eat and time for sleeping (3 hours of sleep is not sufficient by the way). Scheduling time for those three important to-dos of everyday life does help you function properly! So if you're not getting at least 8 hours of sleep, it looks like you'll have to create a stricter bedtime!
7. Get organised and sort out the essentials
Staying organised is a key part of managing your stress, and that includes sorting out the practical stuff, like getting insurance for your belongings. Uni is already chaotic and the last thing you need is to worry about something happening to your phone, laptop, bike or other valuable items you have! Sorting this out early is like meal prepping for your peace of mind — it's one less thing to stress about!
With Arma Karma, you can protect your gadgets, eyewear, bike, and so much more, starting from £3.99 a month! With worldwide cover for 90 days a year, your stuff has protection against breakdown, damage, loss and theft! (some exclusions apply).
