Student Support Services Hosts Stress Management Workshop

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The College of Humanities Student Support Services (SSS) hosted a well-attended Stress Management Workshop which examined ways students can deal with and manage stress.

According to Student Counsellor and workshop facilitator, Ms Candice McCain, the workshop equipped students with stress management techniques which can be used in situations where they are under pressure, such as exams.

‘Many students struggle with test anxiety and this often becomes even more acute during high pressure periods such as the exams when they are often writing numerous papers in a very short space of time,’ said McCain.

The workshop helped students identify the physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural symptoms associated with stress such as headaches, memory failure and confusion, demotivation, dissatisfaction with regards to work and even disturbed sleep and insomnia.

Students also learned about the ways in which stress can be managed and were offered stress management techniques they could apply in their lives.

McCain advised students to try the Shoulder Roll which involves rolling your shoulders forward for about a minute and then back for another minute. Deep breathing was suggested that focuses on breathing in deeply and slowly thus allowing more oxygen to flow to the brain to be able to think more clearly.

‘It is hoped that these skills will enable the students to manage their anxiety better, and use it to their advantage, rather than being overwhelmed by it,’ she said.

Social Science students Ms Londeka Zondi and Ms Nokukhanya Zuma said the workshop was very helpful.

‘With exams approaching, I usually get very stressed out and sometimes go into panic mode, even while writing my papers. After attending this workshop, I now know some techniques that can help me with stress relief and assist me to achieve better marks,’ said Zondi.

Zuma added: ‘Student Support services really understands what students have to deal with and it’s great to have this non-judgemental support system in place.’

Exam Preparation Workshops take place at Student Support Services on 21 May 2014 (Wednesday) from noon to 2pm and on 23 May (Friday) from 10am to noon.

•  Date: 21 May 2014 (Wednesday) •  Time: 12h20 - 14h00 •  Venue: Student Support Services •  Date: 23 May 2014 (Friday) •  Time: 10h00 - 12h00 •  Venue: Student Support Services

- Melissa Mungroo