Super Stressed Student

Dear Super Stressed Student,

Sometimes it may seem that RPI is all about schoolwork and stress, especially come this time of the year. But this is not just an RPI issue. It is an issue at all academically-focused schools. As a matter of fact, research shows that school-related stress is just one of the top five stressors for college students (along with separation from friends and family, issues related to personal freedom, peer pressure, and career pursuits).

This time of year can wear you down, so it is important to take a few necessary steps, and if the stress continues, to go beyond the basics. First, take a break once every hour! You may think that this is counterproductive, but taking a 5-10 minute break every hour helps you study more effectively. Second, plan ahead as much as you can. Set reasonable goals for yourself for each day, including the days of your finals. Third, get plenty of rest. Try to get between seven and eight hours a night. Stress wears down your immune system, and not getting enough sleep will leave you even more vulnerable. Last, learn to relax. There are plenty of ways to relax, just one of which is deep breathing (five seconds in through the nose, three seconds out through your mouth in a comfortable environment). Some more complex relaxation methods include progressive muscle relaxation and visualization. These are techniques someone at the Student Health Center, or even your primary care physician, could help you learn and use effectively. Good luck on your finals.

Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question to Tweedle and Dee, please e-mail poly@rpi.edu. Anonymity will be maintained.