School Stress -للتعليم الاماراتي

There’s no doubt about it: a student’s life (particularly a McGill student’s life) is incredibly stressful. Consider how the following may help you:

Start your day off with a complete breakfast! Make it fun: go out for breakfast with a friend sometimes.

Limit your intake of high caffeine drinks (i.e. coffee, tea and soft drinks) to 1-2 drinks per day.

Set priorities! Write a to do list to help organize your work.

We are but flawed human beings. Don’t try to be perfect all the time; just do your best and be happy with yourself.

Try not to do too many things at once. Focus on one task at a time.

Avoid procrastination! Create a manageable work schedule and stick to it.

Minimize noise levels when studying. Ear plugs are great if you have to study in a naturally noisy area or try playing soft music (i.e. classical) in the background.

Put your answering machine or voice mail to work. Restrict telephone calls when you’re extra busy, you need to concentrate or you just need to relax.

Plan to use uninterrupted blocks of time for big jobs or a collection of smaller jobs-this may actually help save time in the long run.

Share your misery! Develop or join student support groups.

Take creative study breaks! Go roller-blading or skating, go for a walk or to the theatre. Don’t always do the same things when you want to get away from your studies.

Make your study place a pleasant place. Tidy things up; have adequate lighting to avoid eye strain; ensure proper ventilation; and sit in a chair that offers proper back support.

Don’t make grades a life or death issue! Everybody gets an ‘F’ at least once, and learning is more than grades alone.

Three or four brains are better than one! Organize or join groups with 2-3 classmates and practice asking each other questions.

Develop a wide variety of sources of gratification in your life including family, friends, hobbies, interests, etc.

Take a 10-20 minute relaxation, yoga or exercise break during the day. (Check out McGill’s physical education department or the downtown YMCA for numerous classes).

Get a good night’s sleep (6-8 hours) – even during exams! You’ll be able to concentrate better and therefore study better during the day.

Money isn’t everything! Explore your vocational interests. Will your studies get you a job that suits your interests and abilities? Do you see yourself “happily” spending the rest of your life doing this job.

Be assertive! Learn how to express differences, to make requests and to say “No!”.

Don’t overlook the emotional resources available to you—family, roommates, friends.

McGill also offers:
Counseling 398-3601
Mental Health 398-6019
Student Health 398-6017
McGill Nightline 398-6246