By the time you read this, we will officially be halfway through the semester. That means projects are due, midterm exams are underway and stress levels are higher than ever. Add that to the ever-uncertain COVID-19 pandemic, and you have an even more stressful than normal semester to get through. You’re not alone in feeling this way, however.
According to the American Psychological Association, college-aged adults are the demographic that have experienced the highest stress levels during the pandemic. About 34% of Gen Z adults report that their stress levels have increased since the beginning of the pandemic, largely due to the fact that plans for the future are nearly impossible to make.
“Gen Z adults, ages 18-23, are at a pivotal moment in their lives, experiencing adulthood at a time when the future seems uncertain,” said the APA.
In such a complicated, uncertain time we’re living in, we also have real responsibilities we must balance on top of everything else. So, how do we do it? Here’s some practical ways to manage stress when we need to get things done:
Make a list
According to Psychology Today, many of us who are experiencing stress tend to put off getting tasks accomplished as we overestimate how much time it will take. However, this only leads to further stress as the task gets even more inconvenient for us. Making a list puts all the tasks for your day in one place where you can see it, helping you feel organized and accomplished once you finish all of them.
Take breaks
Don’t keep going until you absolutely can’t go any longer. Be smart about your studying! Try setting a timer for thirty minutes to study, and when that time is up, take a ten minute break to catch up on social media, listen to music or power nap. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Repeat as many times as you need!
Don’t overestimate
One of the worst things you can do is overestimate the amount of work you can get done in a day. You know your limits — plan what you’ll get done for the day with those limits in mind, even if it means putting less on your to-do list than you would really like to.
Put the task in a positive light
According to Forbes, if you think of your task using positive descriptors, you’ll be more likely to enjoy what you’re doing. Instead of thinking of studying for that biology exam as “boring,” try thinking of it as “intriguing” or “exciting.” That being said, there are many tasks we must accomplish that we don’t enjoy doing, and that’s okay; this is only if you feel that being positive about your task would be a good motivator!
Take care of yourself
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something we all forget when our lives get hectic. Take study breaks, take a walk or go to the gym. Drink your water (no, Asburians cannot just survive off the delicious HICCUP coffee), and make sure you’re eating enough healthy, balanced meals. Lastly, making sure you’re getting six to eight hours of sleep can help reduce stress levels significantly. According to the American Psychological Association, “research has shown that most Americans would be happier, healthier, and safer if they were to sleep an extra 60 to 90 minutes per night.”
Life is stressful, so don’t feel bad if you’re finding it hard to complete everything on your to-do list. Be patient with yourself and with others. Don’t forget to check in with friends and family, because chances are they’re feeling the same way!