Fall is here, and while the leaves are changing and the pumpkin spice is flowing, this also means that schoolwork is piling up and classes are moving at full speed. It also means stress for students can start to become overwhelming.
Kent State Today talked to some researchers about how students can deal with stress. John Johnson, Ph.D., director of the School of Biomedical Sciences, stress can be mental or physical, but when it comes to mental stress it is normally schoolwork that applies the most pressure.
Stressors are things that cause tension, pressure and anxiety, and they can vary from person-to-person. Whether it is a test, class, assignment or job, everyone has their own idea of what causes them stress.
“It’s really difficult to define stress because it’s kind of different for every person,” Johnson said. “When you are stressed and your mind is focused on it, it causes a kind of anxiety. And so doing things that let your mind escape will distract your mind.”
Students know the familiar feeling of stress, but knowing how to identify a stressor, the ramifications of them and coping mechanisms to treat the mid-semester whirlwind of emotions can help you push through until winter break.
Johnson notes that engaging in activities that divert your mind and taking time to intentionally reduce those stressors can be powerful ways for students to cope at this time of year.
Some stress relievers students can try, according to Johnson, include:
- Making time for a favorite hobby
- Going for a walk
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation
- Putting up fall or Halloween decorations.
Karin Coifman, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, said that while everyone is different, leaning on the people you’re close to can be a comfort in stressful times.
Stress can become so prominent that it can take a toll on your body, Coifman says, so doing activities with friends can help deal with what these feelings can do to you, mentally and physically.
Changing your mindset around stress and what you are able to do when under pressure is also another healthy way to deal with negative emotions, according to Coifman.
“Allow yourself some forgiveness and some peace of mind when you don't actually always do things the way you might want to,” Coifman said. “Sometimes, you start to feel like things are going awry, and you don't feel so great. Then, you start to be a little punitive to yourself and sometimes we just need to give ourselves a break.”
According to one way to steer clear of stress-induced burnout is prioritizing healthy sleep. Having a routine to rely on when it comes to sleep can also help your overall health, not just relieve stress.
Whether it’s focusing on sleep, getting active, meditating or connecting with your friends for support, it’s important to identify main stressors in order to begin to cope with them.
Remember, stress is different for everyone, but finding what is causing tension and deciding what coping mechanisms work for you is the best way to deal with mid-semester stress.
Learn about more events and resources surrounding Mental Health Awareness Month.