Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
You’ve got three pieces of coursework to finish, exams coming up and pressure coming at you from every possible direction. Yep, sixth form can feel pretty stressful at times but there are ways to better manage your stress.
Know that a little bit of stress is normal
Stress is your body’s way of preparing you to face something. So when you notice work piling up, the adrenaline that’s rushing through your system is what'll motivate you to head to your laptop and get cracking. We all experience a little stress from time to time, but if you know how to manage it you can stop it becoming overwhelming and ever-present.
Release the pressure
A lot of stress comes from the internal pressure we put on ourselves. Sure, getting certain grades to get to the uni you want is important but if you heap too much pressure on yourself you can start to panic.
Be realistic in your expectations, and if you feel panic about your future starting to rise just take a moment and try the 4-7-8 technique:
Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, then release through your mouth for eight seconds. Then remind yourself that everything will be OK.
Find some balance
Finding balance between the things you need to do and the things you love to do can help you to manage stress.
Say, you have coursework to complete, or a part-time job, and you also want time to see friends and chill out. Work out a schedule that allows you the time to do both. Being positive and proactive about managing your own wellbeing is essential for your stress levels.
Be your own cheerleader
If you believe in yourself and your abilities, you’ll be more able to manage stress. We can all be guilty of focusing too much on the negative at times, beating ourselves up for what we think we did wrong.
Instead, keep a notebook where you jot down one thing you did well that day. Getting into the habit of positive self-praise and affirmations can do wonders for your self-esteem, and that will help you to look at stress differently.
Find your 'meditation'
It’s really useful to have a go-to technique you can use in times of stress. But don’t be pressured into thinking you have to meditate, as stress is a really personal thing.
It might be that a boxercise class helps to clear your head, or dancing in your room with music turned up loud or squishing a stress ball. There are lots of ways to manage stress that are good for your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Try out some different stress beating techniques and you’ll soon find one to call your own.
Stephanie Varda is a life coach specialising in stress and image management. To find out more visit her site or check out her Facebook Instagram or Pinterest.
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