Managing Stress and Finding Success

Prepared By: Auburn Phillips, M.A., Mental Health Educator, University of Lethbridge

Stress Management strategies for wellness during graduate school

Does this sound like you?

• losing sleep over worries about grad school
• struggling to juggle coursework, research, writing, teaching and personal life
• avoiding things you usually enjoy
• neglecting self to get things done
• being more sensitive than usual

Graduate school is stressful, especially when you have high expectations as well as other responsibilities. Knowing what causes stress for you and effective ways to keep your stress under control can make a huge difference. It’s important to know that being mentally and physically healthy increases your productivity, so rather than focussing on success so you can be happy and well “when you get there”, it’s better to focus on your wellness so you can succeed, and enjoy life at the same time.

What is stress?
Anything that challenges us is a stress, and not all stress is bad. Some stress can motivate you, while other, more overwhelming stress can have negative impacts on your mental and physical health. Ideally, there is enough stress to maintain a state of creative tension, but not so much that your health and wellbeing suffer.

What are some stress management strategies?

• manage your time and use a schedule make lists
• take breaks and do something you enjoy
• prioritize and focus on what needs to be done
• socialize with positive folks
• be proactive when problems arise
• schedule time for yourself
• try to maintain a positive outlook
• go outside and enjoy the outdoors
• be aware of your stress levels
• recognize your accomplishments
• exercise and take good care of yourself

Kevin Bryant (BA/BEd ’12)
Master of Education, Counselling Psychology Student
School of Graduate Studies, University of Lethbridge