Working Hard is a Hard Work - Ways To Cope With The Bad Days

Self-doubt, stress, anxiety, it happens even to the most fearless ones… and it certainly happens to students. 

We all get tired once in a while and guess what... you're totally allowed to.
Breakdowns have become somewhat an “inherent” part of student life as we know it. And we learn to turn it all into jokes and memes. Fair enough, it helps to cope with everything. It makes us feel better to see we’re not the only ones struggling with similar problems.

As much as working hard (or hardly working, depending on what kind of student you are – we’re not judging) moments of stress might get to us all. Whether it's approaching deadlines, the amount of work you have to do or the big unknown in general – life. Here are some gold reminders on how to deal with the 'bad days'. The points are simple but often forgotten in a daily rush.   

*Mind that we are not medical professionals nor these points should be taken as medical advice as such, for any help head to ANXIETY UK or call 03444 775 774 if you're experiencing a severe anxiety/panic attacks*

1. A DAY OFF 

This doesn't necessarily have to be spent somewhere in the mountains or somewhere in a luxury hotel (but that would be amazing), your house can turn into just the escape place you need. Buy some face masks, light some candles make sure the day is all about you and doing whatever makes you happy. 

2. MUSIC

A cliché, but WAY helpful! Research conducted over the years proves that music not only boosts your mood but also the immune system and is beneficial in decreasing levels of stress hormone. 

3. DANCE IT OUT, SQUAT IT OUT - YOU CHOOSE
It doesn't have to be a two-hour gym sesh, any form of movement that will get your heart racing will suffice. Exercise in all forms and kinds is good not only for your body but also for your mind. You might want to wipe off the dust from your bike, head to your local swimming pool or blast on the volume and just dance! 

4. ORGANIZE
‘I’ll make a study plan for the new term and stick to it.’ Ha, yeah right. Do we ever? 

I’m not lying when I say that I usually fail to do that, but the satisfaction of doing all the chores that were on the list is divine. And it's worth keeping that in mind. Having a sense of accomplishment reduces the fear and anxiety about the multitude of work that is to be done.
Planning out things helps us focus and stay on track with responsibilities. Making a study plan, a reading plan or any plan will certainly help you get back in the game and brings clarity. 

Knowledge is power - the more you know the less stressed you are. 
(We know how this looks in reality… buying, flicking through printables, printing them and not filling them… I mean the pages look nice blank too, right? But we’re here to remind you to grab a pen and get it all down!)

5. APPS
In the digital age, we might find a solution to the stress problem in our app store.
There are plenty of apps that offer support during the anxiety attacks such as: 
• calm. is an app which offers over 100+ guided meditations, sleep stories and music chosen specifically to help you focus, relieve stress and anxiety; 
CLICK
• HEADSPACE where you can find 'exercises to add extra mindfulness to your day, and hundreds of meditations on everything from stress to sleep'
CLICK
And last but not least... get enough sleep. We're all students, we understand because we can relate - that's why we're reminding you! 

***If you’re suffering (or suspect you might suffer) from any mental health issues make sure to talk to someone about it, whether your family, friends or school/uni councillors. People are there to help you and it’s always good to have someone to talk to!***


It’s good to look after yourself first before you start looking out for anything or anyone else. It’s all about self-love and self-care after all!

And in the middle of all the hard work you do, put your mental health first - don’t forget to relax… you’re allowed to have bad days, you're allowed to be tired.