Study Stress - 15 Things You Need to Know

Freshman year at college can be both exciting and stressful. Staying far from home, being overloaded with academic assignments, often having to combine studying with work and trying to balance all these things with social life may lead to stress. Stress is not always bad. Psychologists distinguish between eustress and distress. While eustress is beneficial for those who experience it and has positive effect to their performance, distress affects it negatively and may lead to health problems. Some physical and mental symptoms of being distressed include head, stomach and muscle aches, low energy, insomnia, fatigue, sadness and poor concentration. Studies show 85% of students experienced high level of stress during their first year at college or university, which indicates the problem to be common and widespread.

So is there any possible way to avoid the negative impact of distress? The best thing to do is to learn what causes it and also learn some stress management techniques. Another option for stressed out students is a gap year. It may be a way out when nothing else helps to reduce study-related stress and pressure. A gap year will give some extra time to find a new perspective and motivation, to get some new knowledge, gain new vital skills and establish new connections.

Infographic Source: https://ivypanda.com/blog/study-stress/