Generally, managing stress is very much like managing a business. You have to identify the stressors, analyze its effects and impacts, modify (make changes) suitably, maintain the positive outcomes, and reassess the negative ones. Then start all over again.
Specifically relating to a students life, the recommended way to effectively manage stress is to practice good time management, ensure enough rest to recharge the body, practice good nutrition, exercise regularly, control thoughts from negative views, and seeking professional help should stress get too hard to handle.
Analyzing stress management in a life of a CPU student, it is quite clear to differentiate those that have been ‘distressed’ and those who have been ‘eu-stressed’. Because coursework is a major component in the syllabus (70%), students in CPU are expected to do a lot of individual tasks and many hands-on projects/assignments. As the bulk of the assessment comes from these tasks and not one final written paper, the pressure to excel in these tasks is very high, and as such, generates stress in generous amounts to the CPU student. Before the end of the semester, those ‘distressed’ and those ‘eu-stressed’ are identifiable because the distressed, who tend to be procrastinators, wind up handing in half-past-six assignments as a result of bad time management whereas those eu-stressed are still bright-eyed, and alert, coolly breezing through the semester.
As one who has had first-hand experience, I can personally relate to both categories of students as I practice a bit of both. It is important to note that factors such as peer groups, home and social environment, an important part to maintaining stress levels. This is because I have seen many able and potentially great students who have walked away as dropouts as a result of the environment and the people with whom they seek solace in. So firstly, every student should learn how to choose their core support group, as these are the people who will see them through the semester. Establishing a good rapport with lecturers will also contribute to this positive environment as they are always there to assist, be it academically or personal matters.
Next, clarifying personal goals and values, and always keeping them in mind is important as it allows one to prioritize things effectively. Excelling in CPU for example, is my goal, and as such, other activities should come secondary to work. However, that doesn’t mean I always keep such a straight-laced approach to my life. Procrastination seems to be my pet troll, always lurking in the corner. Other things do very often become a priority, and that is why I am, for example, doing this assignment at 1.00 in the morning. Time management is of utmost importance in a syllabus of course work. So if I know my capabilities and my ability to do things within a required time frame, then it is safe to say, go ahead, but not all the time. Just ensure what you set out to do is completed when it’s due.
Furthermore, I believe that in such an interactive course, it is impossible for one to be unable to have experienced some excitement and fun in and out of class. Again, it is how one views things that make a difference, so to be a successful CPU student, it is important to keep things positive and take an interest in the subject matter. Doing that distances one from feelings of boredom and depression that ultimately leads to all the symptoms of distress.
“All work and no play makes Jack (and everyone else) a dull boy”. Also abide by this rule, as a student will not have truly experienced learning if he/she has not experienced life outside of the academia. An all-rounder, is what every student should learn to be, and the CPU program presents an excellent opportunity for a healthy, social mix. Bear in mind again, that the company you keep produces the results you reap. So it is with this that I conclude, that the most important thing, above everything else, for a CPU student to effectively manage stress, or anything else for that matter, is to practice, limitation. I have personally benefited from this, and it is a full-proof, guarantee to effective stress management, for any CPU student, both past and present.