By Angela Charlton, PhD
Manager of Player Engagement
As you are entering the second quarter or semester, your school year, whether it be high school or college, is half-way over. It’s a good time to evaluate previous goals in both academics and athletics. As a student-athlete, trying to manage both athletics and academics can be stressful. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress; the impact stress has on your body, and the different ways to reduce stress. Stress is your body’s mental and physical reaction to people, a situation, or event. Stress can occur whether the event is positive or negative.
Stress can affect you by causing anxiety, problems eating or sleeping, headaches, lack of motivation, concentration, or focus – just to name a few. Possessing good time management skills is a key component in reducing stress. Some keys to becoming a good time-manager are to prioritize and set goals and objectives based on importance. Plan your time by setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals but also allow some flexibility. If you do not accomplish your goals, evaluate what is getting in the way and conquer those issues.
Additionally, participating in some type of physical activity and listening to calming music is helpful in reducing stress. Lastly, if you are having a difficult time handling stress, talk with a counselor at your school or university.