How to beat anxiety at university

Glenn-harvey- “When a Friend Turns Into A (Lousy) Co Worker”

Words by Naima Ali

Attending university can potentially be one of the best experiences of your life but it can also be a challenging one.

It’s so easy for it to be overshadowed by your anxiety and that’s perfectly normal.In order to make life a little easier for yourself, it’s important to plan ahead. On the following page are a few things that you can do to make sure that the academic year goes as swiftly as possible.

1. Make a plan.

Making sure that you are organised can make you feel so much better as you do not need to panic. Try not to stay up so late the night before university as you’ll be sleep deprived the next day. You should make sure that you wake up energised the next morning.

2. Confde in Allah.

After all, He is the only one who can take your pain away. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, it says, “Oh you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient”. Yes, it’s hard to be patient but it’s important. If you combine prayer with dhikr, you will be able to get through the hard times.

3. Vent.

If you don’t want to talk about your problems in person, there’s an app that may help. Vent allows you to let out all your problems in a place where you feel like you truly matter. You are connected with a positive and uplifting community which allows you to interact with people that are also in your shoes.

4. Set yourself goals.

Try to fnd something that will distract you when you don’t have lectures or university, such as mini tasks. You will feel better knowing that you’ve completed and achieved something which in turn will uplift your mood.

5. Exercise.

Exercise can work as a medication for those suffering from anxiety. Keep yourself active will keep you distracted as exercise produces endorphins which reduces stress and improves your ability to sleep. A 10-minute walk could be just as good as a 45-minute workout. A study has shown that exercise can quickly elevate one’s mood.

6. Talk to your university counsellor.

From whether you struggle to attend lectures to just feeling uneasy, you should try to book an appointment with your univesrity counsellor. Their purpose is to ensure that you have a steady and enjoyable time at school so if that isn’t the case, then they can assist you in dealing with the problems you are having.

Having anxiety at university is common - it's part of the body's defence system. However, it shouldn't get to the point where it's ruining your life. Remember to never suffer in silence. There will always be someone who is willing to listen.