Workshops Focus on Managing Student Stress

College can be a very stressful time for students, whether that’s due to academic pressure or issues in their personal lives. What some students may not realize is that Georgia Tech provides many resources for students to deal with these stressful situations.

The Counseling Center provides not only individual counseling services, but also workshops that aim to help students reduce stress during peak times so that they may perform to their highest ability. Topics include creating healthy relationships, overcoming stress and procrastination, and exploring spiritual wellness.

One workshop, titled “Mind Matters,” is designed to help students channel their stressful energy into improving test performance. From enhancing memory of material to improving focus and concentration, this workshop helps students focus on what they truly need to learn and leads them away from unnecessary tension.

Ruperto Perez, director of the Counseling Center, expands on the Mind Matters program.

What is the main focus of the Mind Matters workshop?

The workshop is designed to provide tips and strategies to students aimed to improve memory, concentration, and academic performance. It is designed to be an interactive experience where students engage with and learn from each other. 

What are some common pitfalls among stressed students that can lead to poor academic performance?

Common pitfalls that stressed students may experience that lead to poor academic performance include procrastination, not attending classes, avoidance anxiety, poor self-concept, and lack of efficacy.

How can students redirect the energy behind stress toward their studies?

Developing ways to cope with stress when it occurs, as well as developing a proactive plan to manage stress before stress levels grow and become overwhelming.

What are some of the techniques you discuss in the workshop?

Previous workshops have included techniques to manage stress, develop effective time management skills, and overcome procrastination.

How can students apply those techniques outside of exam weeks and throughout the semester?

Developing a healthy lifestyle that includes effective stress management, effective study skills, and integrating healthy lifestyles can be an effective way to be proactive throughout the year even before exam weeks.

Other upcoming workshops:

• Stress Management 101 – Feb. 5, 11 a.m.
• Creating Healthy Relationships – Feb. 12, 11 a.m.
• Staying Health as a Graduate Student Scholar – Feb. 19, 11 a.m.
• Mind-Body Fitness: Exercise for Wellness – Feb. 26, 11 a.m.
• Stress Management for International Students – March 5, 11 a.m.
• Overcoming the Stressors of Perfectionism and Procrastination – March 12, 11 a.m.
• Exploring Spiritual Wellness – March 26, 11 a.m.
• Mindfulness and Meditation – April 2, 11 a.m.
• Managing Stress for Ethnic Minorities – April 9, 11 a.m.
• Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Using Logic to Overcome Stress – April 16, 11 a.m.
• Mind Matters: Using Psychology to Enhance Your Academic and Test Performance – April 23, 11 a.m.