5 ways to cut down stress levels

University and stress can go hand in hand. Try these 5 ways to keep stress under control from my experience. 

1. Exercise and eat well
It’s very easy to spend your life living on pizza and sitting at your desk for 12 hours a day, but living like this has a toll on your body and mind. Try taking up a sport/ join a society and eat something green every now and then to better defend yourself against stress.

2. Talk to friends and family
Talking to friends and classmates can help put your stress into perspective and remind you that you are not alone in this. Also, picking up the phone and having a chat with a family member can be a welcoming break and they might be able to offer solutions to the causes of your stress.

3. Keep your finances in order
Building up debt and having to ask people for money can be overwhelmingly stressful. If you find yourself already in this position, there is financial support offered at the colleges and a talk with someone at your bank can help steer you towards financial stability. Where possible try and avoid getting to this situation by planning your expenses and using your student credit card only in emergencies.

4. Schedule your time
Buy yourself a cheap diary and stick a calendar on your wall. Make sure every deadline and hand-in is written down and highlighted then plan backwards from there. Also, include days when you’re working or busy so you don’t end up clashing with your classes. Importantly, don’t forget to schedule in breaks and days-off too! If you can feel in control of your time it will help keep stress at bay.

5. Know when your beat
It happens to everyone, we take on too much and end up burning out and taking a ten-hour nap, which helps a total of no one. When you feel yourself getting to that point, take yourself out of the situation, look after yourself first and then return with your head in the game.