Jason's Blog

Stressed Out?

Blog Entry for April 5, 2010

Dear Friends,

This can be a very stressful time of year. Not only are our final exams approaching, but we are also being swamped with job interviews, graduate student funding requests and a multitude of application forms. Some days are overwhelming, and we could just use a break!

There are a lot of different ways to effectively deal with stress. Here are a few that I like to try:

1. Exercise - If you have the opportunity, head to the gym or outside and get some of those endorphins running through your system. Exercising will also increase your heart rate, circulation and make you feel more awake than when you started.

2. Phone a friend - we will all graduate together. If you are worried about a massive exam that is coming up, feel free to use a lifeline and chat for a while.

3. Take a walk - I don't count this as "exercise" because it may not make you sweat. Regardless, going for a short walk outside can get fresh air into your lungs and clear your mind enough to get back to the books.

4. Get some rest - make sure you are getting enough sleep. The recommended amount will vary for each person, but I think most of us know how much we need to feel well, and can identify when we are not getting enough.

5. Eat well - If you want information on basic nutrition, check out Canada's Food Guide. But, chances are that you know what you should be eating. Snacking on chocolate and pastries isn't good for you, and can make you sick if you're not used to it. So make sure you are getting enough fruits and vegetables to feel great.

6. Manage your time - Organizing one's time looks different for everyone. If you like structure, organize everything into blocks. If you can't stand structure, plan to do a few things over larger time blocks, and let yourself alternate throughout that time. But no matter how you function best, remember that deadlines apply to everyone and should not be missed.

7. Have fun - Stop for a moment and think about all the things you like about the subject you are studying. If it is math, take some extra time to solve that difficult integral. If it is in the arts, take time to enjoy every word in that last chapter. If you're at your job or volunteer program, take time to think about the customer you just helped, or the life you just changed for the better. Above all, make the choice to be happy!

Managing stress and the workload of a University education is a hard thing for anyone. We all deserve congratulations for having made it this far, and an encouraging hand to help us get through the final challenges.

All the best,

Jason Motkoski

View previous entries here.