Are you feeling the stress of a new semester?! If you are, know that you are not alone! New semesters are packed with tons of anxiety triggers – new teachers and peers to interact with, new expectations from each class, new locations to show up to, new routines, and more!
Sometimes its all too much and stress can boil over into anxiety. Experiencing anxiety in class can take the joy out of learning and rob you of a positive college experience.
Here are 7 tips to help you feel more at peace in class and confident to take on the semester from a seasoned in class anxiety survivor:
Tip 1: Cultivate acceptance and self compassion
Don’t beat yourself up for feeling stressed. When feelings of shame about how you are handling stress come up, find a phrase you can use to reassure yourself in a gentle way such as, “ I am doing my best” or “I have the tools to get through this”.
Tip 2: Be prepared
This means giving yourself time to get to class on time and getting your homework done. Rushing to class late or being called on when you have no clue what’s going on is a recipe for anxiety.
Tip 3: Take care of your basic needs
Get enough sleep, hydrate, and eat regular meals. Having a snack on hand can be a life saver. Sometimes what we perceive as anxiety is our body asking for sleep, water, or food.
Tip 4: Practice mindfulness
Try a quick technique called the “5 senses meditation”. Here’s how it works: Take a few moments to mentally note 5 things you can see 4 things you can hear 3 things you can physically feel 2 things you can smell and 1 thing something you can taste.
This mindfulness activity of directing your attention to items in your environment can help to quiet feelings of anxiety.
Tip 5: Take a quick break
A short walk outside of your classroom can help you re-set. Walking is considered bilateral stimulation (stimulation that alternates from right to left) which is shown to help regulate the nervous system.
Additionally, taking a moment to move you body forces your body to devote more resources to orienting you in space. This limits mental resources, which helps reduce anxiety.
Tip 6: Befriend a classmate
Feeling alone in class can feel scary; making a friend or someone you just say hello to each class can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Tip 7: Ask for help
Sometimes its all just too much! Social anxiety may be at play and you just might need more than a list of tips.
Luckily there are many resources at NAU, most of which are free for students. You can meet with your academic advisor or visit with a counselor through campus health…just to name a few. Check out LiveWellNAU for a full list of campus resources that can support your emotional health and well-being.