Starting university can wreak havoc on a students health and stress levels
Now that the thrill of “Freshers Week” is over and students have settled into a regular pattern of university life, reality has set in! Leaving home to start your studies can involve some stressful challenges, from balancing a budget to managing work and study commitments.
Consumer research (2017) by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) found that 37% of 16-24 year olds have struggled with back or neck pain in the past.
Our Chiropractor, Stuart Bennett says: “The pressures of assignments and studies mean that a lot of time can be spent behind a desk and whilst stress doesn’t cause back and neck pain it can exacerbate the symptoms, so it’s important that students take steps to ensure this doesn’t affect their work. Simple actions such as taking regular breaks, drinking water and doing exercise can help prevent these symptoms and keep you focused. “
We at Durham Family Chiropractic have helped many of our students and this is what Megan has to to say:
Exams and writing my dissertation, totally stressed me out and I was constantly suffering with tightness in the shoulders and headaches. Thanks to regular adjustments from my chiropractor and a healthy lifestyle, I kept my head clear and survived my studies in one piece!”
According to the NHS, Short periods of stress are normal, and can often be resolved by something as simple as completing a task, or by talking to others and taking time to relax.
Some of these suggestions might help:
- Work out what it is that’s making you anxious. For example, is it exams, or money or relationship problems? See if you can change your circumstances to ease the pressure you’re under.
- Try to have a more healthy lifestyle. Eat well, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, cut down on alcohol, and spend some time socialising as well as working and studying.
- Try not to worry about the future or compare yourself with others
- Learn to relax
- Try to resolve personal problems by talking to a friend, tutor or someone in your family.
Good luck with your year ahead and if you need to see one of our chiropractors for an adjustment to help relief some of your stress symptoms, contact us, but most important, be kind to yourself.
Reference: https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/getting-pain-neck-exams/
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/studenthealth/Pages/Copingwithstress.aspx