Public health student Akon shares how she tackles stress, and how you can to with support, self-care, and a solid routine.
Hi, I’m Akon, a public health student currently undertaking a placement with the BetterU News Team and the Flinders Wellbeing Working Group (WWG).
Ever wonder what stress actually is and how it affects us? I think, as university students, we’ve all experienced stress at some point. I definitely have. Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, challenge, or demand. It’s what happens when we feel that what’s being asked of us (whether it’s study deadlines, work, or personal life) might be more than we can handle at that moment.
In small amounts, stress can actually be helpful. It can boost motivation, sharpen focus, and help us perform well under pressure. Personally, I’ve noticed that I sometimes do better on assignments I complete the night before they’re due, because the pressure gives me a burst of focus and energy.
But when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can start to take a toll on both our body and mind. I’ve experienced tension headaches, muscle tightness, disrupted sleep, and even a loss of appetite. Stress can also affect concentration, memory, and decision-making. Emotionally, it can lead to irritability, anxiety, or feeling flat and unmotivated.
As a full-time student juggling long shifts in the emergency department and a side hustle as a model, life can feel like a constant balancing act. There are days when it’s overwhelming trying to manage everything while still staying social and looking after my health.
Over time, I’ve realised that managing stress isn’t just about pushing through. It is about building a routine that helps me stay grounded. For me, staying physically active has been a game changer. Whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym for strength training, or doing a quick home workout, exercise helps clear my mind, improves my focus, and gives me the motivation I need to stay on track. When I combine that with good time management, staying connected with friends, and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, I find my stress levels are much more manageable.
If we don’t manage stress well, it can impact our academic performance, relationships, and overall wellbeing. I’ve seen this firsthand. That’s why it’s so important to recognise the early signs like changes in sleep, appetite, or mood, and take action early.
And remember, you don’t have to manage stress alone. Flinders has a wide network of support services, and depending on what’s stressing you out, there’s probably someone you can talk to:
- Counselling – Free and confidential support for mental health, relationships, and emotional wellbeing: Flinders Counselling
- Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors – Great if you’re feeling stuck academically or need help navigating uni life: Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors
- Chaplains – A friendly, non-judgmental space to talk about life, meaning, purpose and spirituality: Connect with a Chaplain
- Other support services – There’s a whole network of help available: Flinders Support Services
You can also reach out to your GP or use online mental health services like Headspace or Beyond Blue. Sometimes, just taking that first step to talk to someone can really lift a weight off your shoulders.
Stress is something we all face, especially during uni life, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s managing deadlines, finding balance, or just taking a moment to breathe, small steps can make a big difference. I hope this post reminds you that support is out there…and right here. Let’s keep tackling stress together, one day at a time.
