By Tim Parsons, Haylee Freake and Alanna Harriot
Post-secondary students aren’t rookies when it comes to dealing with stress. With looming deadlines, work and extracurricular activities, we often have our plates piled high with commitments and not enough hours in the day to complete them. So, how do we cope with the stress?
We asked ten students how they deal with their stress, and this is what they had to say.
Hannah is a third-year physics major, and is currently working part-time. She is completing four courses this semester and finds her math and science based courses very difficult. When Hannah is stressed, she prefers to be alone and finds taking a nap helps her. Her advice for anyone going through university and feeling overwhelmed would be to not feel obligated to take 5 courses every semester.
Jake is a first-year student completing a semester of general studies while he tries to determine what program he wants to do. Jake doesn’t work outside of his 5 courses and finds that his course load isn’t very difficult. Though when he does experience stress, Jake finds smoking weed, hanging out with his friends and listening to music very beneficial.
Sanjna is a third year student working towards a major in English and a minor in Business. She is currently doing 4 courses and is seeking employment. While her course load can sometimes be too strenuous, Sanjna dislikes online courses. Even though professors do a good job of making sure they provide you with the resources to pass the courses, there’s an extra element that you need to teach yourself. Sanja doesn’t have many extracurricular activities due to her academics. When dealing with stress, Sanja listens to music to help her plan what she has to do and how long she can procrastinate. She’ll often clean her room so she’ll have less distractions, or go for a walk around downtown St. John’s on a sunny day.
Samiha is a second-year student, majoring in chemistry and is not currently employed. She says the course load can be overwhelming, each semester completing 3-4 chemistry courses and 1-2 electives. Samiha would like to be more active, although her academic requirements often get in the way of this. When dealing with stress, Samiha finds herself ignoring her stressors or begins to worry.
Becky is a second year math major completing her BA, she works very hard to finish her course material, and is determined to not let her difficult courses get the best of her. Becky works part-time along with her four classes, which she attends regularly. When she is stressed, Becky likes to listen to music, her favourite band is the Chainsmokers. Like anyone, Becky strongly believes that you shouldn’t let anyone define who you are, and that you shouldn’t let anyone tell you what you’re capable of.
Kate Peterson is a fourth-year Computer Science student. While she is not working, Kate has a full course-load and volunteers with the non-profit organisation, Sandbox Gaming. When asked about dealing with stress, she says cuddling a loved one is her go-to. She also tries her best to prioritise her health over school.
Ryan is a first-year student starting his Bachelor of Science, though he is hoping to switch to engineering in the future. Ryan doesn’t have the time for work outside his four courses and while he doesn’t find the classes very hard, the amount of coursework due all at once can be stressful. When stressed, Ryan finds playing video games and hanging out with his girlfriend to be the best ways to unwind.
Fatema is a third-year Computer Science student and is courageously doing six courses this semester. Fatema says her course load isn’t too intense, and still finds time to work part-time while she’s not in school. When she’s stressed, Fatema finds venting to her significant other helps her find resolutions to her problems. She also reminds herself that she isn’t the only one who feels confused or stressed at MUN, and that there’s usually someone she can turn to for help.
Breah is a third year BBA student, and is currently working in a restaurant. She is taking four courses, and finds it challenging to manage time effectively. She often doesn’t have time for activities but tries to stay active with hiking, hula hooping, and swimming. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she finds the sounds of waves calming, comforted by the constant rise and fall of the tide. Meditating is also a pastime she uses to deal with stress.
Alexis is completing her second year of general studies and is doing four courses this semester. Outside of school, Alexis works part-time, volunteers on a monthly basis and still finds time for dance and pole classes. Alexis finds that playing with make-up, dancing and being social helps take the edge off her stressors and keeps her mind occupied so she doesn’t excessively worry.
Everyone experiences some sort of stress throughout their post-secondary careers. However, if it’s handled the right way your stresses won’t prevent you from excelling at everything you put your mind to!
You’ve heard from your peers, now we want to hear from you — what do you do to handle stress?