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Stress is a normal and natural part of life. Everyone experiences stress.
Stress is the way our body responds to the things we need to be aware of and alerted to in our natural environments by triggering something called the fight or flight response. This is really helpful if we need to respond to something that is causing us danger, like getting out of the way if a car is driving toward us, but is less helpful if our bodies response is being triggered by something which does not need us to be in fight or flight mode (like doing an assignment, or worrying about a friend). We might not sleep very well, might eat less, or find it difficult to focus and stay organised.
Stress can be helpful, without it we wouldn't be motivated to get things done. Stress is our body's way of helping us reach our goals. Managing stress, so that it doesn't overwhelm us, is a really important way we look after our wellbeing.
Free guided mindfulness activities that you can do no matter where you are via your phone or device. 3 million downloads can’t be wrong!
Some options for calming yourself to reduce stress, improve sleep and engage in mindful movement are a part of this beautifully designed app.
This app offers an introduction to mindfulness meditation to allow you to tune into your thoughts more effectively to manage stress.
Guided practice to help you slow down your breathing and keep your fight or flight response in check.
Workshops and Resources
Workshops and Resources
Coping with Stress – This online 4-lesson course is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques which are clinically proven to reduce anxiety.
Mindspot – This resource offers heaps of free programs on topics such as Wellbeing; Mood, OCD, PTSD, Indigenous Wellbeing and Chronic Pain.
The Centre for Clinical Interventions has modules and resources for developing ways to manage stress. You can do a few modules on a particular area such as stress, or look into particular techniques like problem-solving and reducing physical tension.
Procrastination and Time Management
Procrastination and Time Management
Apps
Be Focused (iOS) -The Be Focused app lets you get things done by breaking up individual tasks among discrete intervals, separated by short breaks.
Focus Booster - The Focus Booster desktop app uses the Pomodoro technique to help manage distractions and temptations to engage in procrastination! It is available on Android or iOS.
Marinara Timer – Simple timer to assist with managing and reducing screen time.
Self-control (Mac, iOS) or Block Apps (Android) - Places a lock on your computer and mobile devices to restrict use of websites and apps that distract you from getting things done.
Flora (iOS) – Flora is a new way to stay off your phone, clear to-do lists, and build positive, life-changing habits. Whenever you want to make progress towards your goals, plant a seed in Flora. As you work hard, the seed will grow into a healthy tree. Let the tree be your coach and grow yourself with it.
Online Resources
Cold Turkey is a website blocker that you can download for free to help manage website visits, and reduce unwanted time spent on particular sites.
My study life – App based platform which allows for organisation of study, assessments, and timetables across multiple devices.
The Centre for Clinical Interventions offers many resources that can be worked through to support learning to manage procrastination.
This University of Newecastle tipsheet on Procrastination offers some quick tips and reminders to keep you on track.
Wait But Why is a fun and engaging blog on procrastinating from a personal perspective.
Worry vs. Problem Solving
Worry vs. Problem Solving
There is a big difference between worry and problem solving. Worry is normal and natural, and usually happens when we deal with uncertainty or lots of things that are outside our control. However, if worry starts to interfere with other parts of our life, it's important we look for ways we can avoid getting stuck by using problem solving - and constructive and present moment focused thought process which leads to a plan of action. This might mean creating lists, examining pros and cons, reflecting and evaluating. It is important to identify when we are beginning to worry so that we can avoid the worry loop!
Talking to someone about your worries can help you to break the worry cycle. A friend or counsellor can help you to see things from a different perspective, explore differnet ways of overcoming problems, or feel less alone with the problems you face.
Free Apps:
Healthy Minds (mindfulness training program)
Smiling Mind (mindfulness app)
Worry Time (app specifically for managing worries)
myCompass (personalised self help tool for your mental health)
Free Online Courses:
Centre for Clinical Interventions - free self guided activities and excercises
Mindspot (free online courses including Wellbeing, Anxiety and Depression)
More places for mental health support:
Lifeline has both chat and phone support
Mental Health Line (NSW) offers professional help and advice, as well as referrals to local mental health service
Suicide Callback Service is a nationwide service that provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are are thinking about suicide, worried about someone or impacted by suicide.
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