Feeling overwhelmed about uni commitments
Hi everyone!
I've been feeling very overwhelmed in the last semester of my degree recently! Sometimes it feels as though I won't complete everything in time or to the best of my ability, and I continue to ruminate on these thoughts. When I feel and think this way I notice my body starts to get really tense and mimic the symptoms of fight/flight responses.
When I feel like this in regards to uni and assessments that are due I like to practise grounding exercises before I start my work e.g. 5 things I can see, hear and feel. This usually brings me back to a more centred state of body and mind and I can start thinking rationally about my uni commitments and my ability to meet them.
I'm curious about what everyone else does to cope with university stress?
Comments
Hi @ggc123
Im in the last year of my degree as well and completly understand where you are coming from. The assignments and exams can become very overwhelimg and daunting at times. I think it is important to ensure you are practicing self-care throughout the semester to minimise feelings of stress and anxiety. It can seem counterproductive at times because you may feel like you should be studying but taking time for yourself will help your overall wellbeing and will allow you to study without those overwhelming feelings taking over. I practice self-care by ensuring i always have time to see my friends and loved ones, make sure you are eating and exercising, and getting out of the house and away from the books every so often. Just this week i had an exam and i became very overwhelmed and the only way i could relieve these feelings was to walk away from what i was doing and take some time for myself, i got in the shower, had some lunch and came back to studying with a fresh mind! This is what works for me and i hope this can help you too😊
Feel free to ask me any questions⭐
Hi @ggc123 ,
So, it sounds like the finish is in sight! Congratulations on getting to your last semester!
It was great to read that you are able to practice grounding exercises before your start your work. I'm wondering where you are well versed enough in practicing some of these techniques (mindful breathing etc) so that you can do it throughout the day and not just before your work? This will help regulate yourself so as not to get into the fight/flight/freeze response.
Also, usually, we have these types of conversations with those beginning uni. I'm curious to know how you managed in your earlier years? By this, I mean, has this always been a struggle, or has it been more a struggle with it being your last semester?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hey @ggc123 I'm also in the last year of my degree and finding it so overwhelming ! I've been feeling the same way that you have, very tense and anxious with too many assignments/exams packed in worried that I won't finish them. When I feel like this I just like to step away from my work for a bit and go outside into nature that helps me a lot
Yes @Blueberry_Kudu ! What a great idea! Thanks for the reminder about the power of nature - and it's about really finding yourself in nature - sensing where your feel are, looking at all the shades of green you see, counting all the different sounds you hear.
Well done on sharing what works for you 🙂
Hey @Blueberry_Kudu , thanks so much for replying to my post! It's validating to hear people are going through the same uni stress and not just me 😆
I completely agree that nature has an amazing healing and calming quality.
Hi @ggc123 and @Blueberry_Kudu 👋
I just wanted to say that I'm in a very similar position and seems that we are all in the same boat. Uni can be a really stressful time and unlike high school, you don't get much support from the faculty so it's really up to you to push yourself and that can be really tiring and overwhelming especially if you feel like stopping for a second will cause you to fail.
We are going to be okay, and it's healthy for us to take breaks even when our brains tell us no. Nature and walking are really nice and feeling the warm sun on my skin makes me happy instead of being curled up inside all day studying.
Hope all the best for you guys and good luck with your exams/results 💙
Hi @Anzelmo
Thank you for your lovely comment. You're right taking breaks is so important and being outside is definitely a must. All the best to you as well with your exams and good luck ☺️
