Managing and coping with stress

Some people are aware of what their stress triggers are, this can help them prevent stress and manage it more effectively. This can take a lot of practice and insight, and a lot of people can’t identify individual events or causes, or avoid causes they can identify. If you often experience stress, think about what triggers it for you and try to think of some ways to make it easier on yourself (eg ensuring that emails are checked at least once a day means it cannot get to the stage of high levels of stress).

Identify what causes you stress and act on it

Try to identify what causes you stress, and the things that you can control and manage better. If there are things that are out of your control, try to see how you operate better around them. Try not to simply avoid things that cause you stress, but find ways to work round them - it will make you feel stronger and more able to cope.

Balance work/life

Try to find an even balance of work, things you have to do, and things you like to do. Always working and not spending time with friends and family can cause stress, as can doing it the other way round!

Exercise

Exercising regularly will give you more energy in the long run and you will feel better able to deal with problems around you. Being fitter also means fewer health concerns if you are stressed.

Eat

Try to eat a healthy diet. In the long run you will feel healthier, fitter and more energetic.

Sleep well

If sleeping is difficult, try to follow good sleeping practice – get up earlier than you want to, go to bed earlier, and try not to engage in tasks that engage your brain too much directly before going to bed. Studying last thing at night means our brains are engaged in thinking about the work, not sleeping.

Learn calming techniques

Breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness are all calming techniques that can help you to relax.

Get help from others

Talk to friends, family or colleagues

Don’t assume the level of stress you feel is normal for everyone. Talk to those around you and share your worries (if this is appropriate).

Personal tutor

Speak to your department – if you are feeling stress related to study pressures it’s a good idea to talk about this with your personal tutor. They may be able to help.

Contact your Student Services Hub

Speak to someone in your Student Services Hub – visit or contact us. This can be the first step in seeking support from a member of the student wellbeing service and/or a trained counsellor. There are also support groups available as well as one-to-one support.

Further support

• Liggy Webb has some useful advice on burnout, how to avoid it and look after yourself.
• The NHS have produced some helpful information and advice on student stress and how to manage stress.
• You may wish to access the university counselling service and online CBT resource SilverCloud to gain further support and advice on how to manage and cope with stress.