If you're anything like me, then you're probably all too familiar with feelings of stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout, all of which culminate into one looming, apocalyptic negativity that seems to follow you around endlessly. Luckily, you are not alone and there are ways to curb these feelings before they snowball out of control. Here are my tips for surviving your own academic apocalypse:
Number 1: Recognize the warning signs (of stress)! Stress is never good and unfortunately college is one of the most stressful times in a persons life. To avoid being too stressed you should set aside time every day to do something you enjoy that’s not school related, such as working out, taking a nap, painting, or just watching TV (these were the four I circulated between to switch it up every day). And remember that this is your time, its critical for your mental and physical wellbeing which ALWAYS comes before schoolwork, so its not the time to be worried about projects or work – just relax.
Number 2: Gather supplies and support (ask for help)! Too much stress can lead to anxiety over your performance in classes and social life. If you find yourself becoming very anxious, it might be time to sit down and talk with someone. Whether that’s a counselor or an older friend or family member who has been through it before, just knowing that you’re not alone and being able to talk through what worries you can be a huge first step in figuring out how to feel better. And remember: there is no shame in needing help and more often than not people will want to help you.
Number 3: Believe in yourself and your abilities! Anxiety over academic performance goes hand in hand with imposter syndrome – i.e. the feeling that you have somehow scammed or tricked your way into an academic setting that you didn’t have the qualifications for. By doubting your own achievements you’re performing a sort of self-gaslighting where you convince yourself that you’re not good enough or smart enough, but the truth is that you deserve to be there just as much as everyone else. You went through the same process and did the same things and earned your spot. During my time in university I encountered some of the smartest people I have ever met and they all experience imposter syndrome. One way to avoid imposter syndrome, or lessen it, is to affirm yourself verbally every day that you are smart and deserve to be there with everyone else. Over time after repeating it your brain will start to believe it’s true (which it is).
Number 4: Stay safe and healthy (mentally and physically)! Burnout is one of the toughest academic horsemen to defeat, after all that would take effort that you don’t have. So to combat this feeling you should take steps to avoid it by taking care of yourself mentally and physically and really giving yourself time away from focusing on school. My freshman year of college I experienced extreme burn out towards the end of the second quarter which resulted in my going home for two weeks (much needed). Looking back, though, I realize that the burnout and subsequent mental breakdown and impromptu vacation home could have been avoided if I had paced myself instead of procrastinating and if I had worked harder in taking care of my mental health, which I had severely slacked off on. My advice is to take any medicine you have, eat regularly, try to get out of the dorm as often as possible, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. In the long run it will all be worth it!
By Sallie
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