Have you ever been pent up in your room because you’re afraid to meet someone new? Maybe you don’t want to tarnish your comforts because you like them. I can only imagine you having butterflies and possibly feeling queasy because of your social anxiety. You want this new place/person to bring you joy, but you’re too afraid.
Do you ever feel worried and dizzy during exam season? That’s your exam anxiety speaking. It could be so severe that you pass out during the exam. That’s quite normal; it happens to the best of us. This does not make you stupid or a loser; rather, it demonstrates how hard you worked, but most likely overworked yourself.
Do you ever feel like your heart is racing, you’re weak, and every negative experience you’ve had is flooding back, causing you to cry? That’s anxiousness; it’s not always visible, so you may believe you’re fine when you’re not. It’s not just rocking back and forth; there’s more to it, and it might arise from any circumstance you’ve encountered.
Daunting I know.
These are only a few of the many scenarios that a student may have encountered; I just want you to realize that every student has a unique tale to tell, so don’t feel obligated to relate. I know what I’m talking about since I’ve been there. I had an incredible time at ARU; I gained lifelong friends and lost ones who I assumed would be there. In the second year, I excelled, but in the first year, I struggled to establish my footing. Although I suffer from anxiety, I am also a social butterfly.
So here are some tips to keep you steady for your university years.
- Prioritize yourself
This is a must. I get that you want to help your pals, but if you’re anything like me, it can become draining after a time. It doesn’t mean you don’t help; it just means you know when to draw the line, so no one takes advantage of you.
- Take frequent pauses
Speaking as someone who enjoys putting in a lot of effort. Breaks are necessary for your body’s health. Pay attention to your body. If you’re fatigued, get some rest, and find something pleasant to do, such as reading or listening to music. Put on your face masks and listen to Hozier while shrieking like me or singing wonderfully if you’re talented. Sigh. Play some video games to disconnect from the world, or kick a ball and study self-defence? If you’re making yourself comfortable.
- Recognize when you’re thinking requires assistance
If you’re always sad, furious, or stressed out, there’s a good chance you’re depressed. Seek assistance. This is something I cannot emphasize enough. I know how long it took me to get to counselling, but if you have one, keep seeing him or her. They can assist you if you lose control. Not being able to control something is something I despise. I’ve been quite fortunate in that the university provides a counselling and well-being program. If you ever need assistance, they offer drop-in services, after-hours helplines, and sessions. So go ahead and give it a shot.
- Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Staying within your comfort zone might sometimes put you in a bad scenario. You might be out socializing, but you choose to keep to yourself, which could make you even more depressed. You could be in a dangerous situation and refuse to seek aid, which would only injure you in the long run. Get out there, meet friends, visit new places, and try new things so you can see that life is more than just comfort.
- Continue to be active
This leads me to my final point, which is related to the prior one. University is a place where you can meet new people and have new experiences. It provides a wealth of opportunities for each learner to discover. There are so many groups and clubs offered by the Students’ Union that no student would ever feel out of place.
Show off your skills and meet new people through your favourite sports or join a society that interests you and meet a bunch of random people who are so unlike you that you learn a lot from them.
It’s critical to take time for yourself since time flies when you’re busy, and you’ll become fatigued after a while. Listen to your body and seek assistance if necessary.
Laugh, find humour in the small things, grin wide, and overcome these years.
Good luck! You’ve got this!
