Stressed? Here are some times that could help you out!

The RED Zone is a POPULAR place this summer. Since we opened over 3 months ago we've talked to more that 4400 students. We've made tons of new friends and I'd like to think that we've been helping students feel a little more confident about starting at York in the fall!

A common concern among all of the students I've met with this summer has been dealing with the stress of starting at university. Students are all concerned about adjusting to the workload and being able to handle the transition from high school to university. 

With that in mind here is my top 5 list of things that you can do to avoid or reduce your stress while at university.

Top 5 list of ways to stay stress free:
5. Choose your attitude

-You can deal with any situation that comes your way! You can either choose to address it head on or address it by stressing out about it and becoming depressed or angry. By deciding to stay positive instead of being negative can make all the difference when you have a lot on your plate. 

4. Make a "to-do" list

-Making a list of all the things that you have to do can help you to see just how much you really have going on. Without a list how will you know how to divide up your time? Making a list can help you see everything you have to do, knowing exactly what you have to do can help you manage your time and therefore your stress. PLUS crossing things off your list feels SO REWARDING!

3. Set priorities

-After you've made your list, set priorities. Rank them in order of importance. Sometimes it might be difficult to decide which order to put things in, I recommend ranking things in order of when they are due, or how long they will take you to complete. If I have an assignment that is due in two weeks and will take a me a few days to fully complete I'll put that higher up on my list. Check out this video it helps explain the importance of making lists and setting priorities (it's only like a minute so it's not that much of a time commitment)! Thank you Brain Tracy!

2. Make time for fun!

-Rewarding yourself for with some "you" time helps keep your stress level down. Running, biking, dancing, sleeping. Whatever you like make some time for it, it'll keep you motivated and help to reduce your stress.

1. Set S.M.A.R.T goals 

- If we use the S.M.A.R.T goal system we can take any task from the abstract idea stage all the way to completion! What does S.M.A.R.T stand for???

S = specific, making a goal specific means ensuring that it is something small enough that you'll be able to complete it. 

M = measurable, your goal must be something that you can track your progress. You won't want to start a goal and not be able to check how close you are to achieving this goal.

A = achievable, this goes back to making a specific goal. Make sure that you can actually complete this goal

R = rewardable, this refers to motivation. Knowing that you have something waiting for you when your finish your goal will keep you focused.

T = time limited, you don't have forever to finish these goals, especially when it comes to a goal related to school work. Setting a time limit for your goal will also keep you motivated to complete it.


Let me know if these tips help you deal next time your feeling stressed!