Stress is a natural by-product of graduate school. Heavy course loads, tons of reading, research and writing, study groups, work groups, competition, etc. Add all of that on top of work and/or family and you have a recipe for stress.
Letting sress build is problematic. Too much stress can lead to academic problems such as poor performance. Or, health-related problems such as headaches, ulcers or high blood-pressure.
How can you reduce your stress? Here are some healthy things you can do to reduce your stress levels:
- get organized (make lists of upcoming deadlines/objectives and keep up with them)
- schedule your time (for yourself, for exercise, for work, for study)
- eat right
- exercise regularly
- talk about it (with other students, your professors, your family, a therapist)
- start a journal
- make and take time to play
- sit still and breathe deeply
- laugh, cry or scream (really)
- meditate
- get at least 8 hours of sleep at night (or during the day, depending on your schedule)
- visualize your problems and ways to solve them or
- focus on other things (at least for short periods).
The most important thing for graduate students to remember is that you aren't the only student in this situation. Many of your peers are likely having just as many stress related issues as you are. For more information on managing stress, visit the student health center on your university campus.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Thoughts, comments? Send an e-mail to graduateschool@bellaonline.com.
