Official guides / Student support & services
Coping skills to manage stress
Monash University
Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTCWhat this page covers
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When you go through periods of stress, it is helpful to develop good coping skills.
Eat well and avoid alcohol
- Eat healthy food
- Have regular meals including breakfast each day
- Avoid alcohol, drugs, caffeine, cigarettes and energy drinks
Get enough exercise and sleep
- Go for a 30 minute walk every day
- Get enough rest
- Keep regular hours - avoid staying up too late and sleeping in
- Do activities that you find relaxing such as yoga, meditation or reading
Manage your time well
- Keep a diary with due dates for your assignments
- Plan to do a little study each day
- Do not leave it until the last minute to start work on assignment
- Allow time for relaxation and catching up with family and friends
- If you procrastinate, take steps to become more productive
Deal with issues as they come up
- Do not avoid dealing with things
- Do not hide your emotions or bottle things up
- Talk about problems with friends or family
If you have study problems, talk to your tutor or lecturer as soon as you can