Feeling stressed is completely normal, and it can affect us in lots of ways, both physically and emotionally. Learn more about stress and find out some useful ways you can manage it.
1. What can stress look like?
- Feeling anxious or down
- Getting irritable and angry
- Struggling to sleep
- Changes in your eating habits
- Being hard on yourself with negative self-talk
- Worrying about the future
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Feeling unwell – like headaches, feeling sick or tired
2. Why is it essential to understand how to handle stress effectively?
Not doing anything to manage your stress can often make it worse, and prolonged or excessive stress can then have damaging effects on your health and wellbeing. It’s important to first identify what is making you feel stressed to see if there is anything you can do to ease the pressure.
3. How can you help manage your stress levels?
- Eat healthier foods
- Reduce caffeine
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise or go for a walk
- Spending some time outside, away from your digital devices
- Give yourself time to relax
- Meet up with friends
4. How can you manage your time more efficiently?
- Set reasonable and realistic time limits to tasks
- If you find it difficult to concentrate or be productive, try the Pomodoro technique: Work for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break, and repeat
- Prioritise your tasks and break them down into manageable chunks so you can keep up with deadlines. You could use the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple tool that organises your tasks and helps you visualise them based on urgency and importance
Access to support services
- NHS Website
- Mind
- Togetherall – an online platform to support your wellbeing. Sign up using your Confetti or NTU email address
- Student Services: Available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) 8.30am- 6pm for you to drop by or alternatively email studentservicesreferrals@confetti.ac.uk if you would like any advice or a confidential chat
