Next step anxiety and how to manage it
Next step anxiety and how to manage it
While starting your first year at university may be exciting, you may also feel nervous and anxious. Whether it be because it’s the first time you are away from home, being surrounded by new people, new deadlines, or student debts, etc. Here are some steps I used to overcome and manage my anxiety.
Reach out and talk to someone
Avoid isolating yourself from others if you suffer from anxiety, because this could probably make things worse, try conversing with a classmate or a flatmate instead. If you discover that they are also experiencing anxiety in their new academic environment, you can offer one another assistance. Keep in mind that "a problem shared is a problem halved."
Challenge your thoughts
When we are anxious our minds can fool us, leading to negative ideas and false beliefs. For instance, without reason you might persuade yourself that you are going to fail a module. Instead of this, try testing your beliefs before embracing them. Think about if what you're thinking is "fact" or "opinion"-based. If it's an opinion, there’s a possibility you might be worrying over nothing.
Don’t fall into the avoidance trap
Many people get into the trap of avoiding an object or scenario since it can be uncomfortable. For instance, you might refrain from attending lectures because you don't want to enter a room full of strangers who would be staring at you. Instead of completely avoiding lectures, try arriving early to beat the crowd and establish a "safe" habit.
Plan ahead
When work is issued to you, don't wait until the last minute to get things done. Create a work schedule, allow enough time for each assignment, and follow it. As a result, you won't feel like your work is not to standard or has been rushed. Hence, you would feel at ease and on top of your tasks.
Take breaks
It’s so important to make time for yourself to relax and do the things you enjoy. Even if it’s little things like making time to listen to your favourite music, watch Netflix or reading a book, this can help to calm your worries. By doing so you’re able to balance your mental and physical health, to then produce the best work you can.
Look after yourself
Be sure to sleep well at night and engage in frequent exercise to stay active and healthy. Being so busy during the first few weeks can make this challenging, but once Fresher's fortnight has passed, it's important to attempt to establish a healthy routine. Try picking up a hobby like yoga, which has been shown to lessen tension.
When to seek professional help
It’s important to understand that anxiety and worry are natural, and sometimes useful human emotions. However, when these feelings are prolonged, excessive, cause other symptoms like anxiety attacks, or prevent you from functioning daily, this is a sign you need professional help.
Remember that the University has many support options available including our counselling team, who can be contacted:
- Directly on the 1st floor of the North Building (N1.12) on our High Wycombe campus or on our Uxbridge campus (room 0.10).
- Phone: 01494 605 018
- Email: counselling@bnu.ac.uk