Exploring the Risks and Solutions to Academic Stress

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Education is crucial in preparing individuals for the challenges of the real world. Oftentimes, the experience of learning becomes a burden, so much so that students often go through major emotional crises as a result of college life.

Being away from their families, adjusting to new environments, and handling too much coursework will take their toll even on the smartest learners. Academic stress is as real as it gets and it affects eight in 10 college students according to the American Institute of Stress. If you're a college student and you're going through your toughest year yet, read the guide below and graduate with high hopes.

Causes of Academic Stress

The underlying causes of anxiety and depression which are a result of academic stress vary from case to case. Some students may experience difficulty in performing under high pressure which is almost inevitable in academia. All-nighters are common and students (especially in their senior year) would sacrifice their free time to complete coursework.

Other causes may point to having unrealistic expectations. Academic achievers in high school will find themselves competing with others of the same caliber. This creates an environment of tension where the goal is to reach the top of the graduating class with a 4.0 GPA.

Whatever the causes are, academic stress could become the basis for developing much more serious mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and a possible nervous breakdown.

Guarding your heart and mind

There's no harm in aiming for high marks, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your social life and mental well-being. Before your experience with academic stress gets worse, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Find a support system

Your greatest weapon against burnout is to build friendships. It might not reduce your workload but at least you have a support system to fall back on in case you're struggling. These people will provide you with the emotional support and practical advice you need to navigate the unique academic challenges you're facing.

2. Learn to set your pace

When it comes to completing coursework, you can't simply force yourself to sit down and study or write. You need time to build momentum. It helps if you stick to a daily schedule that blocks out time for intense academic work and sets aside enough space for rest. This allows you to set a reasonable pace for completing specific tasks and ensuring that you still have time to nurture your social life.

3. Seek out professional help

In some cases, academic stress becomes ingrained in the individual, making it impossible for them to manage the effects on their own. If you think no amount of productivity and wellness advice will bring you the calm you've been craving, get an expert to help you get to the bottom of the problem. If you think you can't afford a therapist or you're wondering, "Does CIGNA cover therapy?", your college health services may offer professional counseling and mental health interventions. 

Endnote

There's more you can do to reduce the effects of academic stress on your social and emotional well-being. All it takes is knowing when to get help when things get more intense as you get closer to your degree.