Academic Stress and You
Some level of stress is normal, and even helps to motivate you to get your tasks done. When academic stressors become overwhelming, turn to your personal toolkit of resources and reach out for support.
Identify Your Stressors
- What are your biggest stressors in university?
- How do you know when you are stressed? How do your mind and body react?
Building Your Toolkit
The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a well-researched framework designed to incorporate simple practices as way to build resilience, find balance, and boost your wellbeing. The five actions are to keep learning, be active, connect, give, and take notice.
Visit Five Ways to Wellbeing at Home for resources adapted to maintain mental health and wellbeing during the self-isolation of COVID-19.
Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW)
Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW) takes place each March during National Procrastination Week. With the support of the Learning Specialists Association of Canada (LSAC), staff from Writing Centres, Libraries, Accessible Learning Centres, and Learning Commons across Canada work together to offer a week of workshops and connection to support students and increase our shared awareness and understanding of procrastination. Learning Skills Services at York University is proud to be a part of PAW each year.
PAW 2024 took place from March 4-8. You can watch recordings of the workshops in two ways:
- Zoom Events (must use your YorkU email address to access)
- LSAC YouTube Channel
Recordings from PAW 2024 will be available until March 2025. Check back for information on PAW 2025!
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| YorkU Mental Health Resource Sheet (pdf) | One page guide to mental health resources available through YorkU. |
| Talk Back to Academic Anxiety! (pdf) | Learn about practices to reduce academic anxiety. |
| 15-Second Breathing Exercise (pdf) | A quick activity to help regulate your breathing, reduce anxiety and bring back calmness. |
| Stress Relief Exercise (video, 16 minutes) | Progressive relaxation training with a mindfulness counselor. |
| Health Education & Promotion | Health support & education for York Community with a range of services and workshops in the areas of sleep, sexual health, physical health, nutrition, mental health, and alcohol and other drugs. |
| Student Counselling, Health & Well-being | Provides free mental health support to all York students through workshops, individual and group counselling. |
| Student Accessibility Services | Provides academic accommodation and support to students with disabilities. |
| Good2Talk | A 24/7 free and confidential helpline that connects students with professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being |
| keep.meSAFE Student Support Program (SSP) | Provides real-time support to students outside of Ontario, online and through the My SSP App. App services are available in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. |