How to reduce stress, practice mindfulness, and center yourself

By: Ashley

As a college student, you might see your assignments as a set of tasks, and with multiple classes and assignments, focusing on one task can be quite a challenge. When you find yourself being handed more tasks than you anticipated or chose to do, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. If you feel that you’re at a point in the semester where a single task becomes too difficult, you are not alone.

Feeling overwhelmed is a natural reaction when situations spiral outside of control. It’s like trying to hold too much sand—you know it will inevitably slip through your fingers. Being overwhelmed can lead to other emotions that may result in not being able to do your tasks efficiently, and that’s why it’s important to learn how to center yourself to better manage your set of tasks. Luckily, there are ways to manage and get back on track. 

Here are five ways you can try to make things more manageable: 

1. Divide tasks into smaller chunks 

Viewing a task as a giant responsibility can be intimidating. Dividing the task into smaller steps can make it easier to tackle. Imagine having to write an essay of six pages. Rather than thinking of it as six pages, you could break it down into sections, like an introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure to celebrate each small victory after completing a section and appreciate your hard work! This can help make the main task feel less overwhelming.  

2. Take time to rest 

Giving yourself a small break between each task or two can be refreshing. When you’re working, you will need time to rest and recharge. Taking smaller breaks can increase your overall energy, productivity, and ability to focus.  

3. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals 

Setting realistic, achievable goals can avoid overcommitting yourself to more than you can handle. S.M.A.R.T. goals (which stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound). Instead of saying, “I need to study longer,” with a S.M.A.R.T. goal, you could rephrase it as ‘I will study this subject for three hours.’ By taking into consideration what’s realistic for you and your schedule, as well as the urgency of your deadlines, this goal setting can help you be objective and accomplish more of your goals.  

4. Practice deep breathing 

Doing a deep breathing exercise can help you calm down and be more mindful of your surroundings. One such exercise is to breathe in through your nose for four seconds and breathe out through your mouth for six seconds. Other mindfulness techniques such as meditation can help reduce stress and improve mood and concentration.

5. Reflect on each task 

Assessing each task’s level of difficulty and the level of stress it induces can provide you the opportunity to adjust the way you de-stress. Regular reflection on how a task makes you feel can help you stay in tune with your needs, therefore helping you strategize better for the future.  

Remember that college can be quite the rollercoaster with high highs and low lows. Being overwhelmed is just a part of the ride. Adopting such tips can hopefully make your college experience less daunting. Find the tips that work best for you, buckle up, and tackle those tasks! Enjoy the journey and don’t forget to have fun along the way. College is not just about the academic part; it’s also about exploring, growing, making connections, and making memories. Embrace all the experiences and make the most of it.

When it comes to student success, we believe that health and wellness go hand-in-hand.

That’s why the Sheridan Student Union encourages students to maintain their well-being, as it has a huge impact on one’s ability to succeed. If you or a friend require access to professional mental health and wellness support, check out Empower Me and make your #SheridanLife a great one.

While this blog covers emotional and spiritual wellness, there are many more! If you’re looking to make the most of your student experience, check out our tips and tricks that cover all eight dimensions of wellness.