Coping skills

When you go through periods of stress, it is helpful to develop good coping skills.

Eat well and avoid alcohol

• Eat healthy food
• Have regular meals including breakfast each day
• Avoid alcohol, drugs, caffeine, cigarettes and energy drinks

Exercise and get enough sleep

• Go for a 30 minute walk every day
• Get enough rest
• Keep regular hours - avoid staying up too late and sleeping in
• Do activities that you find relaxing such as yoga, meditation or reading

Manage your time effectively

• Keep a diary with due dates for your assignments
• Plan to do a little study each day
• Do not leave it until the last minute to start work on assignment
• Allow time for relaxation and catching up with family and friends
• If you procrastinate, take steps to become more productive

Deal with issues as they come up

• Do not avoid dealing with things
• Do not hide your emotions or bottle things up
• Talk about problems with friends or family

If you have study problems, talk to your tutor or lecturer as soon as you can.

Resources

• Stopping procrastination
• Self-help resources
• Academic skills workshops

Need help?

• Talk to a learning skills adviser.
• Make an appointment to see a student counsellor today.