5 Ways to Ease Stress While Preparing for University

It’s been a minute since I was preparing for university, but I remember that it was stressful at times! Since I’m in my last semester of the Creative Industries program here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I’m also feeling the anxiety that comes with closing a chapter of your life and starting something new. Basically, I know what you’re going through!  

It’s important to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally at any time, but especially when a new adventure is coming up. Here are some tips that can hopefully help you ease some of the stress you might be feeling while waiting to hear back from universities and preparing for the fall.

I have often been a victim of feeling like I have so much to do, and not enough time to do it. It really stresses me out, and results in poor sleep or not being fully present when spending time with my friends. When I feel this way, I make a to-do list of all my tasks and schedule time to do them. Putting them down on paper lets me see that things might not be as difficult as I think they are. Scheduling time for tasks in my weekly agenda also helps me feel more at ease. 

Sleep is one of my favourite things. I can also admit that I don’t feel great after a night of bad or not enough sleep. It makes it difficult for me to focus on any tasks at hand or in a lecture. I remember yawning through most of my classes in high school after a late night. I cannot stress enough that getting a good amount of sleep is crucial to success! If you feel like you have too much on your mind before bedtime, making a list of tasks to do the next day might help you ease some stress.

I’ll be honest, I used to think that there was no way that exercise could really help me destress. It was one of my least favourite things to do, until I started university. Getting up and getting moving helped me get rid of any nervous energy I had, and helped keep my mind off of anything stressing me out. I also found that not looking at a screen for even 30 minutes made me feel better. My favourite way to get exercise is by participating in the group fitness classes at TMU, especially since they’re included with our tuition. I try to make time to exercise at least three times a week. This could look different for everyone — going for a walk around your neighbourhood, doing some stretching or playing sports with friends.

When I say treat yourself, I don’t mean go out and spend all of your most recent paycheque on ice cream (although now that I mention it…). I mean find little ways throughout your week to make your days just a bit brighter. Sometimes I’ll treat myself to an iced chai latte if my day isn’t going exactly as I’d like, or order my favourite food at the end of a long week. I always make sure I treat myself to an episode of my show while eating dinner and a bit of my book at bedtime. Sometimes just doing something like lighting a candle while writing an essay can improve my mood and mindset for the day. There are many ways that small treats can help ease your stress, even if it’s just for a little while. 

It can be difficult to deal with stressful situations all by yourself. Sometimes asking someone else for advice or to just listen to what you’re experiencing can be extremely helpful. I usually turn to my friends, whether it be school-related or something personal. My roommate and I try to be there for each other in stressful moments, especially since our rooms are about 8’ apart. Turning to your support system of friends, family, guidance counsellors and others can often help you through stressful times. TMU’s Student Wellness program has many services and supports to help students. 

I hope these tips will help ease some of the stress you may be experiencing, or maybe you can pass them on to someone else. Remember that even though it might be stressful now, good things are waiting for you on the other side. Take care of yourself and reach out for help if you need it. 

Until next time, 

Jenna