Introduction
Stress is an automatic reaction to danger and
demand. The reactions to stress can include
tensing of muscles, shallow and fast breathing, an
increase in heart rate and a rise in blood pressure.
Everyone experiences stress. A certain amount of
stress can be described as excitement, stimulation
and enjoyment and can aid performing well.
However, prolonged stress can harm your physical
and mental wellbeing. That’s why you need to
control stress.
Question: How stressed do you feel
now on a scale from 1-10?
If you rate your stress at six or above, you may like
to use some of the following strategies to lower
this.
Stress and university
One way of managing stress is to take control of
your study rather than letting it control you.
• Stress is a normal part of life. A certain level of
stress helps you to improve performance. Find
the balance that works for you
• Set study goals
• Work out a plan of the things you need to do
to reach your goals
• Use a weekly detailed planner
• Let family and friends know about the
demands on you so they can be supportive
• Learn to say ‘no’ to less important demands
on your time
You can learn to manage stress!
Stress management skills can increase your
physical and emotional wellbeing. You will have
more energy and be more alert.
Quick stress reducers for
everyday
Eat well
Maintaining a balanced diet will help your body
absorb the nutrients to help you stay fit and
healthy and boost your immune system.
Get plenty of exercise
Exercise brings pleasurable relaxation naturally.
It is a great way to relieve physical and mental
tension! Consider exercises that appeal to you,
such as: walking, swimming, jogging, aerobics
and yoga.
Relax
Print ‘R’ on a post-it note and stick it to mirrors,
desk and the fridge to remind you to relax
throughout your day.
Do something creative
Do something you really enjoy regularly that can
help you to reduce stress. Creative activities
lessen fatigue and refresh your mind, body and
spirit.
Talk about your worries
Talk to a trusted person who may help to put
problems in perspective.
Massage
Massage relaxes physical and mental tension. It
can be combined with aromatherapy and can help
with sleep and focus your concentration to study.
Visualisation
Soothe strained nerves by taking an imaginary
trip to an ideal place. Close your eyes, take a
deep breath, and for the next 10 minutes, imagine
yourself in any place you wish to be.
Deep breathing exercises
Proper breathing is one of the most effective
techniques for reducing stress. Deep breathing
assists relaxation by increasing the amount
of oxygen in the body. It affects the tension in
muscles and influences thoughts and feelings.
1. Sit comfortably in a chair with your back
straight.
2. Rest your attention on your breathing as it
comes in and leaves your nose. If your attention
wanders gently bring it back to the breath.
3. Release any physical tension held in your face
and body.
If you need any further information please visit the
Counselling Service office on your campus.
Muscle relaxation exercises
1. Sit in a comfortable chair, with your feet flat on
the floor, with your hands resting on your lap.
Close your eyes
2. Focus for one minute on your breath as it
comes and leaves the body
3. Tense each of the muscle groups for 10
seconds, then relax for 10 seconds, in the
following order: