How I (just) manage anxiety during the deadline days...

One of our editors tells us how they manage their anxiety during assignment season.

Imogen Smillie
6th April 2024
Image Source: Unsplash_Anthony Tran
Looking back on my nearly 4 years at university, it feels almost ironic that I am writing about managing my anxiety! However, with this time and experience, I hope I can pass on any advice I may have to calm the deadline day blues…

Just as a quick preface to this piece, my degree has focussed on assessment deadlines and not exam dates. So, the thought of revising ready to sit in a freezing sports hall just takes me back to secondary school, sending shivers down my spine! My advice here focusses on managing anxiety during that wretched countdown as the deadline looms (not to sound too morbid or anything).

My main thing is somewhat a family motto for the Smillie family – keep talking! It seems daunting at first, but just admitting to close family/friends/colleagues, whoever knows you best, that you are stressed or feeling anxious can feel like a massive weight lifting off your shoulders. Remember, they will want to know if they can help you - you are not burdening them by telling them your worries. That was a big hurdle I had to gain the courage to leap over, but once I did, I felt more understood and almost validated.

There is well-being support on campus for any stressed and anxious worries you may have

On the other hand, I also understand that talking to people that know you might feel scary. There is well-being support on campus for any stressed and anxious worries you may have! Again, feels pretty daunting, right? But I find that speaking to a complete stranger who knows very little about you makes this process somewhat easier at first. They can give you professional advice on how to manage during these overwhelming times!

For those of us that might need a little extra time on that 4,000-word essay that requires what feels like a million academic references, remember to make use of the PEC system. I tend to avoid these as best I can, personally knowing that I am simply extending these deadlines and therefore extending the period of stress. However, PEC forms are there for a reason. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need extra time to get your head around things, apply for a PEC and explain this to them – I guarantee they will understand!

Most importantly, remember to look after yourself

Most importantly, remember to look after yourself. I admit, in my first years at university, I felt awful taking time for myself, binge watching telly and ordering a maccies. But in the long run, that “self-care” time proved important for my overall success in completing these assignments. They give you time to decompress, doing something you enjoy whether that be creative, going to the gym, or just sticking on a show to watch (personally, I’ll be rewatching Modern Family for the millionth time!).

Whether this advice helps or not, this is the way a seasoned professional has managed stress and anxiety whilst living away from home for nearly 4 years. And this is just personal experience, it might not work for everyone, but it has definitely calmed the storm for me on multiple occasions. Now time for me to stop being an unauthorised therapist, I’ve got an assignment to write!

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