Four Tricks to Master That Graduate Program Stress

The feeling of getting accepted to this graduate program at St. Edwards University, is something I hope I never forget. It was being proud of myself for this accomplishment, opportunity for obtaining a stronger title, learning something that I’m passionate about, and the world was my oyster. The feeling of actually being in graduate school is the total opposite. It is feeling confused, frustrated, stressed, and defeated. All in one assignment! When it gets to the absolute worst point though, something brings you a little bit closer to a feeling of curiousity…

Even though I haven’t exactly ~mastered~ keeping my sanity through grad school, there are a few tricks to making sure your mental health doesn’t suffer.

• Ask for help

This is a NEED. As someone who truly wishes I never had to do this, I have learned the hard way that it should be the only way. Another thing I learned, is that people are more than willing to and it was surprisingly easy. Yeah, I know. My student success counselor truly cared about how I was doing, my professors have been thrilled when I ask for help, my sister loves answering phone calls from me crying! Okay, that last one hasn’t happened in a long time, but you get it right? Utilize the people around you when you need it! They are people too. I promise that no one wants to see you fail. And now, there are so many resources around today like Talkspace and BetterHelp. Ask for help when you need it and don’t be afraid to, because people want to.

• Take time to enjoy what you enjoy

It’s no secret that I am not someone who loves most outdoor activities. Hiking is, super not my thing. But ya girl does love to read books, bake goodies and do absolutely nothing but hang out. If you want to put on some pj’s, eat popcorn and chill then count me IN baby. School sure does get in the way of that – aside from the pj’s and popcorn, there are plenty of long nights. But when I make sure that I still have time to read and bake and just enjoy my time with who I’m around, I can trust myself to put everything I can into school. I’m not throwing together an assignment or angry about why I don’t have the exact answer and stress myself out for no reason.

• Remember why

Shortly after starting, the idea of grad school seemed pretty lackluster. Everyone is very supportive! Until you have to start prioritizing homework. It’s a wonderful learning opportunity! Until grades become the main goal instead of education. That feeling of accomplishment and pride is what I hold onto though. Remember that this is a chance to make yourself stand out and gain insight.

• Know you aren’t alone

Turns out, my classmates also have lives of their own and a job too. Crazy how much we have in common! My teachers even went through this before and most have other jobs too. Crazy, again! Some of my friends that are also obtaining a master’s and my partner is in school too. Even if someone around you doesn’t exactly understand “the stuggle” of school, there are a lot of people that do because I found a ton of resources like this one by UC Davis after a quick Google search!

The time will come when I get to walk across that stage and the world is my oyster again. The reason I’m doing this is for me. To better my overall knowledge, become what I’ve dreamt, be a leader. Most of all, to help someone else someday.

 

 

 

 

 

References

5 tips for grad school stress. UC Davis Graduate School of Management. (2021). https://gsm.ucdavis.edu/blog/5-tips-grad-school-stress

Betterhelp Affordable Online Therapy Services 2022. BetterHelp Affordable Online Therapy Services 2022. (2021). Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.betterhelp.com/online-therapy/