Did stress affect your ability to make right decisions about your student life?July 25, 2017

Tony Richardson directed "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner", which was released in 1962. It was about Colin Smith, a rebellious lad who was sentenced to a borstal for burgling a bakery. He must be earned his privileges in able to be on the good graces of the authority. He could run for miles, his seemingly boundless energy coming from his anger towards the elitist institution. Colin would make a good case of a teenage boy doing well under great stress. It won't mean that you must emulate him. (It would be ridiculous to walk from one end of the State Barrier Fence of Western Australia to the other.) Your hands could be tied to the coursework sooner than you think.

Students must think well, which should help them deal with the demands of the coursework. Moreover, they must be feeling good about yourself. Unlike adults, teenagers have to deal with issues that could affect their concentration. Many teens go through an awkward phase, often conscious of what other people think of them. Furthermore, there would be that fear of failure. And studying requires solitude, not to mention the pressure of giving in to the demands (of the coursework). All of these things could affect their ability to make good decisions. Clothing, grooming, and (the lack of) social activities would be few of those issues, which may be insignificant to a level-head adult. We have gone through that period, though.

There are five ways to de-stress yourself: Find the perfect place to relax; take a nap (or a long sleep); laugh it off; exercise, and talk it over with someone you know. All of these methods will point to one thing: You must not make stress your primary motivation to excel in your studies. If you're a varsity student, then it should be a different story.

5 Ways to De-stress Yourself

Find the perfect spot to de-stress yourself. It will depend on your interest. You can sit in front of the telly, watching your favorite show (for an hour). You can see a movie. (There might be a retrospective on an auteur. You may not be a fan of World Cinema, but this can be your opportunity to challenge your viewing sensibilities.) There might be a rugby match in your area. A few hours should be long enough, but it can be longer. (Some students might need to forget about it completely, so they may call it a day.) If there's a deadline, then make sure that you're done with your assignment. If there's an examination, then you should have been through with your reviewing (of your notes). If it's Reading Week, then plan your schedule ahead.

Go to bed. If you're getting overwhelmed about the coursework, then it would be better to lie down and close your eyes. You need a clear mind, unaffected and not distracted by your surrounding. As a matter of fact, it won't be advisable to think during stressful, if not agitated, moments. You'll regret a bad decision. Don't rush it, not even force it.

You must have a good laugh. A good sense of humor is a good trait, if not a virtue. Think about a half-full glass (of water). It comes spontaneously, so it would be a matter of attitude. (If you stumble on a small task, then look at it with a smile. It could have been worse.) You also have the option of watching a sitcom. And you can reminisce the silly moments that you have done during your first year. (If you happen to be a freshman student, then recall the weeks leading to your first week in the university. It should be fond memories.) There's something to remind you, which wouldn't require an hour (or even less).

Sweat it off. If Colin didn't run at all, then he might have been punished sooner than later. (Think of the rage that he needs to get it off.) Exercising helps you forget about pressing matters, feeling good after you're done with it. And it can help you deal with anything, even everything. It will be due to that good feeling, which should have a positive impact. And the high energy will motivate you to finish anything that needs to be done as soon as possible. It's not that your teenage self won't run out of energy, but anything that will get you back to the saddle.

Stay connected. Your family is a call way while your old mates can be reached in a few seconds or within the day. But you might want someone who can relate to your predicament. Don't be shy (and make new friends). Don't hesitate to approach your tutor. Think twice about beer.

What to Do if Stress Affects You

Talk about it with your tutor, who is human after all. It won't be taken against you. As a matter of fact, you might get some valuable advice.

Share with your (new) mates. It's certain that they have been through that stage. Don't ever think that they'll be vicious about it. (Sensitivity may be another thing, but it can make you quite better if you tell it.) Revealing your feelings in social media would be a bad idea, though.

You don't want your family to think of you as someone who is incapable of dealing with a tough situation, but they're your biggest support team. Don't be afraid.

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