a) Gaining Control of the Stressor
As previously discussed, we recognize we're stressed when we feel inter alia overwhelmed, anxious, threatened, pressured, tense or strained. These emotions build up and escalate until they end up making a stressor seem bigger than it really is. For example, if you have three assignments and a test due on the same day, as that day looms nearer, you'll be feeling anxious and pressured (maybe overwhelmed too). Sometimes what happens is because of the way you are feeling, these four assignments seem much more than they really are. This causes more anxiety and the cycle continues.

Writing down what's stressing you can help you make a plan on how to reduce your stress.

One way to manage it is to externalize the stress you're feeling. Get the stressors out of your head so you can see it in perspective. A good tip is to write down what is stressing you. When you can see it all, make action plans and organize when and how you are going to do each assignment and allocate time to study for the test. Think realistically about how much work is involved, so you can plan your days accordingly. In your time-plan, allow for breaks (every 60 minutes) and stop working at a reasonable hour (not 2am!)

Next, keep to your time-plan!!! The moment you decide to be lazy and procrastinate, work will catch up and you'll most probably feel the familiar stress coming back. If you think this might happen to you, call in back-up, have a "study-buddy" who phones you every hour to make sure you're on track! Or, if you're feeling tired and uninspired, get hold of a joke consultant: this site specializes in that in our Fun Section, we have laughter therapy - go check it out!

Often you may feel tense and overwhelmed about upcoming due dates or events, but the moment you start working on them, you feel better. A lot of school-related stress results from not doing something when you know you should be.

When you feel as if all is under control, everything is planned and you can see (physically on paper) that there isn't as much work as you originally felt, you will feel more willing to work and do something. The originally threatening and negative stress is turned into a challenge: positive stress!

Communication is important because it also externalizes what is going through your head. Talking out loud (to yourself or a friend), gets it out in the open. Sharing will help you put things in perspective because you are forced to verbalize your thoughts, and this means getting it in an orderly fashion so it makes sense to the listener. Laughing in your conversations could help you feel more relaxed and laid back over the whole situation; it makes your stressor seem less daunting and easier to handle and you ultimately feel in control of your situation.