From the constant stream of homework to the frequent tests and exams piled onto our shoulders; despite the current removal of MYE and certain parts of the syllabus; stress and anxiety still remain a large part of student life. And although these are problems that we all worry about, not many are aware of the ways to properly cope with and excel in the midst of such challenges. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that can aid us in coping with these issues – and thus strive in our academic endeavours.
Acknowledging your challenges
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that stress and anxiety are a normal part of student life, and acknowledging these emotions is the first step to managing them effectively. Recognising stress helps us to avoid bottling up our emotions, preventing future emotional outbursts or burnouts down the road. By accepting stress as a valid part of our experiences, we pave the way for a clearer mind, helping us break down our problems into manageable parts to find suitable solutions. Through this, we build resilience, allowing us to bounce back from challenges and develop the necessary skills to combat tougher worries in the future.
Emotional regulation is a crucial skill required to navigate through the ins and outs of life, and embracing your stress with self-compassion, rather than being critical in the path of self-betterment, is the key to not only managing its immediate impact but also for promoting long term mental and physical health. Additionally, with the advent of the internet, it’s significantly easier to find good structured online courses; these can provide valuable resources and strategies for healthy stress management.
Learning to say no
Now, in Singapore’s ever-demanding environment, students often face the pressure to take up additional tasks, like VIA projects and leadership roles, in order to strengthen their portfolios. Even though these things can help in the future, they can also mean more work and stress. So, it’s really important for students to focus on their schoolwork first. Make sure you have enough time and energy to do your homework and keep up with what you’re learning in class.
Doing well in school should ultimately be your priority as it can open up more chances for you later, even more so than just having a good resume. It’s not that you shouldn’t try to build your resume, but make sure your schoolwork is on track first before you take on extra stuff. It’s like trying to keep a bunch of balls in the air when you’re juggling. You want to make sure you don’t drop the important ones. If you get a good grip on your schoolwork, then you can start looking at other activities without feeling too stressed. Finding the right balance ensures that you can succeed in both your academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Breathing through stress
Another effective technique to alleviate stress, however cliché it may sound, is breathing exercises. You don’t have to do them regularly; though making a habit of practising can be incredibly beneficial. Keep these underrated exercises in the back of your mind, they can be particularly helpful, especially in moments of heightened stress, like panic attacks.
Breathing exercise include:
- This exercise helps to reset your nervous system, and is helpful for high stress situations
- Take a short, quick, deep breath in
- Slowly exhale
- Repeat thrice
- This exercise allows for management of stress, and is helpful to do once or twice daily
- Get comfortable, you can lie on your back on your bed or on the floor with a pillow supporting your head and knees
- Breathe in through your nose, let your belly fill with air
- Breathe out through your nose
- Repeat three times, ensuring that the deep breaths you take in and out are of equal time
The power of controlled and mindful breathing lies in its ability to provide immediate relief, helping you regain your composure and navigate through stressful situations effectively. Incorporating these techniques into your stress toolbox is indefinitely valuable for your mental well-being.
Conclusion: In the midst of academic challenges, understanding and applying these strategies can make a significant difference. By accepting and managing stress, prioritizing academics, and using relaxation techniques, we can not only survive but thrive in our educational journey. It’s about building the skills and resilience needed not only for academic success but also for a healthier and happier life overall. So, remember to acknowledge your challenges, set your priorities straight, and take a deep breath when things get tough. You’ve got the tools to excel and overcome the hurdles that come your way
