Second semester stress busters

Exams ended, we had a couple of days to breathe a sigh of relief and then it was straight back to lectures, seminars, essay deadlines, part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities (The Mancunion, I’m looking at you).  So, if like me, you are already run down and in a perpetual state of cold and flu, it’s time to think about minimising stress. With the Easter break still a while off, here are some tips to help make everything that bit more manageable:

1)      Get yourself to the doctors

If Lemsip and Iboprufen aren’t doing the trick, seek some professional advice to speed up your recovery.

If you haven’t registered with a GP then do so. It’s a quick and easy process – pop down to your local surgery and make sure that you take your student ID with you. Some practices also require proof of address. You can have the form filled out in a few minutes.

2)      Shop yourself better

Sadly, when I say shop yourself better, I mean at the supermarket, not the Arndale (and yes, its perfectly acceptable to go in your onesie). Stock up on the relevant tablets and medicines, along with soups. Chicken is the best option. Your mum was right – science has proved that it’s top of the list for its curative powers. Some people also swear by spicy foods to help clear congestion, such as those which contain chillies.

You will need to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of liquids – fruit juices are particularly good. Try orange juice for a good source of vitamin c.  Probiotic-rich yoghurts are another flu fighting suggestion made by some. Opt for a plain flavour with minimum added sugar, and add fresh fruit or a table spoon of honey.

Finally, treating yourself to a few magazines or DVDs may also be a good idea. Although such products have no proven healing powers, being bed bound may be slightly more bearable with them by your side.

3)      Reorganise your schedule

Sometimes something has to give. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by trying to balance everything at once, give yourself a break. If you need a day off – take it. Your body is telling you that it needs to rest for a reason.

Write down your weekly schedule and then list the activities in order of priority. Remember that you are here, first and foremost, to do well in your degree. If you are stuck in a rut with your academic workload, contact your personal tutor or a seminar teacher. They are there to help and will be able to give you some constructive advice to help get you back on track. After all, they’ve done it all before.

If you work part-time, you will probably find that your company is flexible and understanding of other demands. If you need to drop a few hours here and there, it can probably be done.

If it’s your extra-curricular role which is pushing your timetable to its limit, remember that there will probably be someone who would be more than happy to share the workload and add the experience to their CV. Additional interests are supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful.

4)      Relax

Make sure you put time aside to procrastinate with your housemates, coursemates or boyfriend/girlfriend. University days are supposed the be the best, so don’t let your workload stop you from going to see that film, pigging out at Nando’s or going on that much needed and well deserved night out. After all, that lazy student stereotype has to come from somewhere. Sometimes, Ali G can wait and daytime TV cannot.