How To Deal With Mild Anxiety At University
Posted on: 13 March 2020
Going to university can be a stressful time in anyone's life, with the pressures of academic work, career planning, making new friends, and living alone for the first time. It is natural to feel mild anxiety at some point, but as this article explains, there are a few simple things you can do to for anxiety treatment.
Prioritise Self-Care
University is a busy time, with lots to think about, so remember to take some time for yourself. Try to schedule your work so you have some regular time for yourself, such as early mornings or after dinner. Don't be afraid to say no to things you don't want to do, although try to strike a balance between doing what's easy and challenging yourself. Develop a hobby that has nothing to do with university or work. As The Bird Flies offers a huge list of self-care activities that you can do to unwind and reduce your anxiety, from going to a walk to dancing to having a long bubble bath.
Learn Some Anxiety-Relieving Techniques
Some people don't feel the need to talk their anxiety through with a professional but would find it beneficial to learn some anxiety-relieving techniques. For example, Very Well Mind has a great breathing technique you can use when your anxiety starts to rise, which works by breathing from your stomach rather than your chest. You could also try journaling your feelings, talking them through with friends and family, and trying to figure out the root of your anxiety. For example, if you are worried about a bad grade, figure out what the worst thing is that could happen, and what you could do — there are always more solutions than you think. If you do speak to a counsellor about your anxiety, they can give you more ideas and techniques that you can do at home.
Speak To A Counselor
As Better Health explains, there are a lot of benefits to talking your anxieties and problems through with another person, from finding new solutions to releasing tension. A counsellor will be a safe person to do this with, as they are not related to other parts of your life and will keep your feelings private. Your university will probably have counsellors you can request sessions with, or you can ask the student support centre or your GP for recommendations. Make sure your sessions are regular, and be totally honest about your feelings. Your counsellor will be able to help you reduce your anxiety or refer you for further anxiety treatment if they think it is necessary.
If you take time to speak with a counsellor about your anxiety, practice self-care and look after yourself, and learn some simple breathing techniques, you can make your time at university as free of anxiety and stress as possible.
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