Managing Academic Stress

I need help calming my nerves before a big exam.

To manage test anxiety, practice taking mock tests in a timed setting to build confidence and reduce stress. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious meal beforehand to keep your mind sharp and body relaxed. Remind yourself that one test doesn’t define your worth—focus on your preparation and past successes to stay grounded.

I need ways to handle the overwhelming stress of juggling classes, work, and personal life.

Balancing college demands starts with good time management—use tools like planners or apps to prioritize tasks and schedule study time, as recommended in the academic stress section. Reach out to your Student Success Coach early to talk things through and get tailored tools or resources. Take care of yourself by prioritizing sleep, exercise, and healthy friendships to maintain your energy and focus. If stress feels paralyzing, the Counseling Center’s relaxation exercises or mental health check-ups can offer support.

I need to know how to ask for academic help when I’m struggling with course material.

Don’t wait until the last minute—reach out to professors during office hours or attend class early to ask specific questions about concepts you’re finding tough, as advised in the academic stress tips. Schedule tutoring sessions with the Office of Student Success well in advance to grasp material thoroughly. Engaging in class discussions and asking questions actively can also clarify concepts and boost your confidence. Your Student Success Coach is there to guide you, so connect with them for personalized support.

I need to stay motivated and keep stress from derailing my academic goals.

Keep things in perspective by remembering that a single test or assignment doesn’t define your academic journey. Reconsider your commitments to avoid overextending yourself, and use time management techniques to create space for studying and self-care. Take time to pray or reflect, drawing inspiration from resources like New Morning Mercies to stay grounded in your identity and purpose. A positive mental attitude, reinforced by small wins like tackling easier test questions first, can keep you moving forward.

Common Questions

Personal Well-Being

How can I rebuild social connections to reduce stress when I feel isolated?

Join campus activities or clubs to build friendships, starting with one event or study group to avoid overwhelming your schedule. Contact your Student Success Coach to explore resources like peer mentoring or Spiritual Life, as social ties help buffer academic stress.

What do I do if I feel like I don’t belong in college or doubt my abilities?

Combat imposter syndrome by reflecting on past successes and connecting with a peer mentor through the Office of Student Success to share experiences. Practice positive self-talk like “I’m learning and growing” and use Counseling Center mental health check-ups for persistent feelings.

How can I stay motivated when academic stress feels exhausting?

Set small, achievable goals like completing one chapter to build accomplishment and reflect on your college purpose to stay motivated. Recharge with enjoyable activities like music or friends and use prayer or inspirational texts for calm and focus.

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional

My Stress Management Plan

Resource Connection

How do I manage stress when unexpected problems, like a family emergency, disrupt my studies?

Communicate with professors early to explain your situation and explore extensions, showing responsibility, and rely on friends, family, or a Student Success Coach to stay organized during crises. Use Counseling Center resources to manage overwhelming feelings and carve out small study times when possible.

What should I do if I’m afraid of disappointing my family with my grades?

Focus on consistent effort rather than perfection, recognizing your worth isn’t tied to your GPA, and discuss challenges and goals with family to align expectations. Connect with your Student Success Coach to develop study strategies that enhance confidence and performance.

How can embracing failure contribute to building GRIT?

Embracing failure builds GRIT by fostering resilience and learning from mistakes. Recovering from setbacks strengthens perseverance and mental toughness.

Counseling Center Resources

Schedule Planning

How do I balance schoolwork with my part-time job and social life?

Set realistic boundaries by limiting social events during busy study weeks and use a calendar app to allocate time for work, studying, and socializing while prioritizing sleep and healthy meals. Communicate with your employer to negotiate flexible hours to balance your academic schedule.

How can I stop feeling overwhelmed by multiple deadlines and exams?

Break tasks into manageable steps, prioritize them by due date using a planner, and start early to build momentum while taking short mindfulness breaks to reduce stress. Contact your Student Success Coach to create a personalized weekly schedule balancing study and self-care.

How can I manage stress from constant notifications and digital distractions?

Silence non-essential notifications and use apps like Freedom to block distracting websites during study sessions, scheduling specific times to check messages. Take 10-minute digital detox breaks, like walking without your phone, to stay focused and incorporate self-care through sunlight and exercise.

Study Success

What’s the best way to ask for help when I’m struggling in a class?

Contact your professor during office hours with specific questions and schedule tutoring through the Office of Student Success to clarify concepts. Join a study group to learn from peers and seek help early to prevent small struggles from escalating.

What can I do when stress makes it hard to focus on studying?

Create a distraction-free study space and use the Pomodoro method (25-minute work, 5-minute breaks) to stay focused, incorporating physical activity like walking to boost energy. Journal for 5 minutes or use Counseling Center relaxation exercises to manage stress before studying.

How to Manage Test Anxiety