Studying Cited as Top Cause of Stress Among Filipinos

The faster the pace of our lives, the more stressors we are exposed to on a daily basis. During an online poll conducted by CNN towards the end of 2017, as many as 23% of respondents in the Philippines cited their jobs and studies as the main source of stress in their lives. Study-related stress manifests itself in various ways and can be attributed to a number of circumstances ranging from lack of time management to problems pertaining to the academic workload. While stressful situations can become increasingly arduous to deal with, most stressors can be diminished through early identification and effective intervention.

Too much work, not enough time
This statement rings particularly true during exam time when students are required to put their multitasking skills to the test. Unless you start to study well before your exams, chances are very good that you will not have enough time to comprehend and memorize all your work.  You need to give yourself enough time to prepare for your exams.  According to online academic reviewer ICPA, you need to give yourself at least one week to study for each subject. They also recommend that you avoid cramming as it will prevent you from consciously recalling pertinent information during an exam. Be sure to follow a healthy diet filled with nutrients that will boost your memory and improve your focus during strenuous study periods.

Writing exams
Regardless of how hard you have studied for your exams, you will more than likely still be jittery.  Year-end exam stress is a global occurrence and one that seemingly exacerbates annually. According to the South China Morning Post, students at the University of Hong Kong can book 30-minute sessions with Jasper the sheepdog prior to their December exams. Similarly, the Berkeley University in the US has four llamas visiting the campus during their annual de-stress week. Universities across the Philippines have implemented formation programs that are integrated at each university level and which includes programs on stress management, time management, resilience and tenacity.

Personal problems
Apart from having to deal with study-related stress, students are also often prone to having to deal with personal problems ranging from eating disorders and separation anxiety to financial worries and social isolation. There is an alarming increase of suicide among young Filipinos with it being estimated by mental health experts that as many as 6 individuals take their lives in a single day. At the University of the Philippines, mental health and wellness is being promoted vigorously, fronted by the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) in the University of the Philippines Diliman. Occasions such as the annual Celebrate Life event that coincides with Suicide Awareness Week which falls in the second week of September prevent invaluable guideline on not only dealing with stress and anxiety but suicide prevention as well.

As far as preventative and intervention measures are concerned, universities across the Philippines are taking the initiative to ensure that their student bodies are equipped to deal with everyday stressors of both the academic and personal variety. While some people are naturally more resilient to stressful situations, anyone can acquire additional coping skills which will help them significantly to deal with a large number of stressors that commonly occur in everyday life.