Postgrad Stress and anxiety – How you can help yourself

Everyone experiences some form of stress and anxiety in life, some people a lot worse than others. Graduates can get Postgrad stress. Living with constant anxiety can be very difficult, and can make everyday a challenge. If you’re struggling with anxiety or know someone who is and want to help, consider the following tips.

Postgrad Stress – Talk to someone you trust

Talking to someone you trust and help to relieve your anxiety and get your worries off your chest. Having someone who listens and understands you can make you feel less alone. If you’re struggling to talk to the people around you make the most of helplines such as Samaritans and Anxiety UK. Help is just a phone call away.

Take control of your mind

This can be easier said than done and it’s important to not get frustrated with yourself. Take a moment to try to pin point what is worrying you and note them down. Negative thoughts can take root in your mind and amplify situations. Making a list of your worries and logically thinking through your issues can help you to feel like you’re back in control and ease your nerves as you can make sense of what’s around you. Remember to be patient with yourself. Accepting how you feel in the moment and letting your body go through the motions is sometimes all you can do. Just breathe and remember it won’t last forever.

Look after your physical health

Physical self-care can be the best form of self-care. Exercise has been proven to do wonders for your mental health. Not only does it create and outlet for built up negative energy, but it also releases endorphins meaning after a sweat session you’ll feel relaxed and relieved. Try things like walking/running, online workout videos, weight lifting or any other form of activity that uses energy and gets your heart racing. Adding a workout to your day can use up more energy and help you to sleep better at night too.

Try breathing exercises

Breathing exercises are a well-used technique to cope with anxiety. When you can’t control your thoughts controlling your breathing can make you feel calmer. By focusing on your breathing, you’re no longer focusing on your thoughts which in turn can calm your body. Shift that negative energy into something else.

Keep a diary

Writing down your thoughts is a good way to keep track of your mind. Note down when you get anxious as well as what makes you anxious. From here it’ll be easier to spot patterns and triggers so you can deal with the source. You can also keep notes of things in your life that are going well. When your stressed and anxious it’s easy to forget the parts of your life that you’re happy about which can further feed your negative feelings. Try to remember your milestones and remind yourself of them when you’re feeling down.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

There are multiple specialist organisations that can make you feel connected to others going through the same thing as you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that can help you, the worst thing you can do is go though it on your own. 

If you would like any help or support with finding a Graduate role, then please do contact us and check out our LinkedIn for up to date job posts.