PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLOR - Mental Health Academy

THE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLOR02 2010ASSIGNMENTS HINTS AND TIPSSTUDY STRESS: KEEPING IT IN PERSPECTIVETaking up further study can be a very excitingtime as we take a step forward in our personal andprofessional lives. As we challenge ourselves todevelop new skills and knowledge, a new frameworkto work from, and a new field to master, many of usembrace the role of student with both enthusiasmand anticipation. However, it is not uncommon formost students, at some point in their course, to alsoexperience a heightened level of anxiety. Duringthese more difficult times it is important to keepthings in perspective.Everybody experiences stress in their lives fromtime to time but it is the way stressful situations areperceived and dealt with that can determine one’slearning experience. Stress can be a positive thingas it gives us the drive and energy to focus, takeaction, and achieve our goals, but when the stressgoes on for too long, it can be overwhelming.Stress affects everyone differently and it is importantto recognise how it may impact on you. Studentsexperiencing stress, often report experiencing:– Nausea, stomach aches, headaches– Feelings of anger, sadness, or nervousness– Fear of failure, fear of the future or unknown– Feeling overwhelmed, confused, worried– Trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep, orrelaxing– Excessive tiredness or fatigueOften when we are feeling stressed, it is difficultto know what to do and quite often we end upresponding how we think we should respond,rather than listening to ourselves. When we beginto feel like the assessments are building up, when itis difficult to know where to start, or you feel likeyou are just not getting it, this is the time tobecome proactive. There are things you can do tomanage your stress and stay motivated:– Avoid isolating yourself and talk to someoneabout how you are feeling. Make use of all thestudy assistance that is available to you.– Identify the cause of the stress. Determine thethings you can change and the things that mayrequire time or help from others. Largeproblems can often be broken down intosmaller problems such as breaking anassessment piece into smaller parts.– Take care of yourself and prevent the negativeimpacts of stress worsening – pay closeattention to your diet, exercise and sleeppatterns. Physical activity can clear the mind,release anxious energy and improve sleep.Make sure that you make time for these thingsin your study routine.– When confronted by a stressful situation, makea conscious effort to slow down. Take ten longbreaths and try visualising the word relax.Avoid letting your mind getting stuck on oneidea and challenge negative thoughts.– Be kind to yourself and reward yourself forthe small achievements!Studying a new course involves challengingoneself, learning new ways of interacting, anddeveloping new understanding. The learningjourney of a student is full of both rewards andchallenges. Keeping stress in perspective will allowyou to enjoy a balanced learning experience whereyou feel empowered to make the most of yourstudies.Good luck!By Gillian LaneTIPS FOR FAST-TRACK STUDENTSAre you taking full advantage of your Fast Trackeducational and instructional CounsellingTeleclasses? Each Teleclass is conducted by amember of our 65-strong educational team andrecorded in MP3 format. The Teleclasses are a ‘FastTrack’ learning aide designed to reinforce yourunderstanding and application of fundamental skillsvital to the longevity of counselling success. Andthere’s a Teleclass suitable for any stage of yourstudies!Topics covered include:• Working as a Counsellor in today’s world• Making the most of your Study Time• Applying Communication and InterpersonalSkills to other Relationships• Using Assessment Tools in Counselling Practice• When Volunteering can Lead to a New Career• Using Expressive Therapies in Counselling• Applying Counselling Therapies to real lifeCase Studies• Dealing with Mental Health Issues• Making the most of your GraduateOpportunities• Discover the Benefits of SupervisionBook your Teleclass today! Simply visitwww.aipc.net.au/fasttrack; login using your FastTrack student details; and click the ‘InstructionalTeleclasses’ button. To download the Teleclasstimetable, visit:www.aipc.net.au/fasttrack/pdf/timetable.pdf.Not a FAST TRACK Student? Contact yourStudent Support Centre to find out how you canachieve your goals faster, graduate earlier and helppeople sooner.24