Original article published on April 12, 2017. Updated article posted on May 25, 2023.
You can get stressed out for many reasons, including anxiety over grades, peer pressure, finances, living up to expectations, juggling jobs, family and studies, or a combination of all of these. A bit of stress is manageable, but too much of it can lead to serious health issues and compromise your chance of success!
Here are five tips on how to manage stress if you are a student in post-secondary school or a continuing education program.
1. Exercise
Regardless of how busy you are, you should maintain a regular exercise program. Studies show that regular exercise improves your ability to concentrate, relax, cope with stress and get a good night’s sleep.
2. Sleep
Don’t skimp on your shut-eye! Studies have shown that students who get 7 – 8 hours of sleep a night often have better grades than those who sleep less. A regular sleep routine that may include an afternoon nap has many of the same benefits as getting regular exercise. So, avoid cramming late into the night and save the partying for after graduation!
3. Eat Well
If you don’t supply your body with the nutritional elements it needs, it won’t be able to give you the physical support you need. Avoid binge eating, fast food and excessive consumption of caffeinated or energy drinks. These may give you a short-lived rush, but they will also most likely leave you drained after the initial boost.
4. Pace Yourself
Your brain can’t go full-throttle for 24 hours! Even during the most stressful times at school, make sure to take frequent breaks away from the books. Even short breathers will help you get back to work refreshed, energized and better able to concentrate.
5. Think Positively
Stress has a way of mushrooming into distress when left unchecked. A positive and optimistic mindset can help control stress before it becomes paralyzing. Doing this on your own can be difficult, however, so make sure you have a support group to share with and get positive feedback from before you get overwhelmed.
Reduce Stress at Post-secondary School With These Tips
Post-secondary stress can lead to various mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. Finding support and implementing stress-management strategies is crucial for student well-being. By following our expert-approved tips above, you’ll be able to keep your stress levels in check and your studies on track!
Work With the Experts at Your School to Manage Stress
Are you enrolled in continuing education or at a postsecondary school in Calgary? Is stress getting to you? At ABES, we get it. We’ve been one of Calgary’s premier postsecondary schools for over 25 years! Contact us at ABES today!