The third year worries: stress less and unwind

As the second term begins, many third years are feeling the strain. Not only will the work start piling up once again, but the dreaded dissertation still lingers. This can cause an incredible amount of stress to students.

20-year-old Janey Spratt, a third year student explains what it is that makes her feel stressed: “The work load that I seem to constantly have makes me very stressed daily, as I find there are never enough hours in the day to fit everything in.”

This can apply to many students, whether they are in their final year or not, as lots put off doing their work until the last minute perhaps choosing to go out instead.

Kirsty O’Connell, another third year student, says how this used to be the case for her: “To be honest, I did used to put off my work until the very last minute in my first and second years, however, now that I have reached my final year at university, I can’t afford to do that anymore,” she says.

“I do still like to go out though, now and then, to unwind. I think that is important, you need to give your brain a break!”

Aidan Rushworth from the Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust explains what to do if you find yourself becoming stressed.

“Admit that stress is a problem and notice what led up to it, so you can work out what triggers your stress,” he says. “This is the first step to working out what you can do about it.”

Once a person has found the underlining problem, stress is easier to deal with: “As well as noticing the stresses, take note of the things that go well. Get some exercise and look after yourself physically, making sure you eat well and keep alcohol to a minimum.

“It is important to make sure you have interests outside of work and spending time with family and friends helps and can ease your pressures and worries. If you feel that stress is having a negative impact on your health you should seek further help though your GP,” he added.

There are many ways to calm your nerves and relax. Helpguide.org suggest the following tips:

• It is important to manage your stress and take control
• Strengthening your relationships with your close ones can really help take some of the pressure off you, as they can sometimes help
• Improving your emotional health by taking care of your body can result in a calmer and more collected you
• Finally, it is essential to learn how to relax. “You cannot just eliminate all stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you,” state Helpguide.org.

Janey agrees with these, especially the last point: “I deal with stress by keeping myself organised and giving myself breaks. I take great pleasure and satisfaction by having a glass of wine or two with a friend and then having a bath. I feel baths take a lot of stress away; they ease my mind.”

For further advise on stress and your general wellbeing, contact Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation on 01522 526827.