[Blue_Bird]

Does anyone here have some tips for not stressing over college? I am starting this coming week, online classes. I already have access to the material, I'm only taking 2 classes this 8 weeks, but it looks overwhelming. I know it will take a lot of self discipline, I just need to know how not to stress about failing and things like that. I get worried that the professor reading my paper may think I'm stupid or I'm the worst in the class.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi Blue_Bird

Try not think about your professor thinking you're the worst in the class, negative self talk - remember that you can do this!

When we look at things all at once it can tend to feel somewhat overwhealming at the best of times.

It helps if we break it up into sections.

I find it quite useful to have a calendar that shows day by day.

What you want to do is break up tasks that you have in mind so that you know what needs to be done each day.

But you first need to plot on your calendar when assignments and things like that are due so you can work out your planning to give you peace of mind.

Getting into some kind of routine also helps. Try and work out when / what time of the day you will commit to your studying.

I know you can do this!

[kim_johnson]

Hey. I have close to 10 years experience teaching at University and not a single one of the kids I've taught was stupid. They wouldn't have been able to enroll in the class, if they were stupid. There is a saying: You don't fail students, they fail themselves. What that means is... Your teachers really want you to do well. They are interested to read what you have to say. There is another saying: One of the best ways of learning is to teach. What that means is... Your teachers really want to learn from you. If you don't understand something... Then they need to make it clearer (they have learned they need to make it clearer). Etc.

How students fail themselves is... By their inner demons getting the best of them. Or, in some instances, their outer demons (when external life stressors get in the way). Basically... Studying is about the opportunity to engage with something. To spend time thinking on it and working on it... Developing your understanding... Your teachers are part of helping you get / stay motivated to work hard on it... But really, that's what it is about... The more quality time you spend on your work... The more sense you will make of it / the better you will do. Study is hard, though, because people's perfectionist demons come out and then they can't face doing any of their work at all etc...

Finding the courage to try is the hardest thing of all.

[Blue_Bird]

Thanks for the replies, that is some helpful info!

[Kowareta]

Just have a little confidence in yourself Every night I would do something like yoga or meditation just to relax yourself overall. When you turn something in just have the knowledge that you did your best. Maybe study a little more? Spend a little more time on the assignment? Taking breaks while working might help, as well, since you'll be giving your brain a break and getting a fresh look at whatever you're doing when you get back to work. And about your paper, you could always ask a trusted friend or family member to look over it first.