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Tracy Stewart

Student stress levels higher than normal

As the semester draws to a close with major assignments and exams on the way, stress can become a factor in students’ lives as they push their way to the end.

Lois Hayward, SAIT’s supervisor of student development and counselling services, said she’s seeing a level of stress among students right now that hasn’t been matched in recent years. “It’s crunch time and there’s a lot on people’s plates right now,” Hayward said.

So how can students deal with it?

Hayward said at this time of year, more students feel the need to use resources to help them cope. She said if students can control, or even avoid stress, they will benefit.

One of the main reasons students are stressed is that they forget about self-care, such as exercise and proper eating, Hayward said. She says if students take simple steps to keeping healthy, they will not feel as overwhelmed.

Kindra Mcnish, a business student, said she’s learned to deal with her stress because she’s been in school for a long time.

“I find that exercise helps a lot,” Mcnish said. “A lot of sleep and making sure you have time for yourself, (and) going out to see your friends instead of living and breathing school and work.”

Hayward said staff and students should keep their eyes open for stressed individuals and try to give them the proper guidance and help if they need it. If students are feeling stressed and worried, they should not be afraid to seek assistance.

“If students feel that things are too hard to manage, they should not feel afraid to ask for help,” said Hayward. “The departments and staff know students are stressed, and there are lots of resources available to help them out.”

Hayward said during this time of year, students should remember to make healthy choices, manage their time, sleep right, take regular breaks, enjoy themselves, and most importantly, find the time to relax.

She also says that getting the best marks is not always an option, but effort is what matters.

“Sometimes As aren’t possible,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just about doing the best you can.”

Zair Faqiryar, another student, said his main strategy for dealing with stress is time management, and that following a timetable is important. “Without my timetable, I would be so far gone,” he said.

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