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A Reflection on First-Week Stress

  • Writer: Jayden
    Jayden
  • Apr 25, 2022
  • 2 min read

Light purple text that reads “First-Week Stress: A Reflection” on a starry night background.

At the beginning of this year I wrote about my struggles with first-week stress. What challenges me most in the initial period of the semester are the unknowns. They leave me feeling anxious and out of control. This semester I was able to manage some of these feelings a lot better than in year’s past…

The very first day of classes, I had to write a test I was completely unprepared for and the following day I had to make my way to campus for an in-person lab that I was also unprepared for. Last year, this would have felt nearly unmanageable. I reminded myself of the post I had written about back-to-school stress and decided to change my outlook on the situation. I kept asking myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?”. The worst that could have happened was that I would fail from my lack of preparation. However, every single student in my class was facing the same struggles and surely we couldn’t all fail the course. I felt better knowing that I was one of many people in the same boat.

In the end, I surprised myself as well. I used the strategies I suggested in my earlier blog post and found that the thought record helped a lot.




It was helpful to have a place to record how I was feeling and be able to evaluate them from a new lens. In addition, I found that attending the University of Manitoba’s gym and group workouts was a great way to decompress. There are even online classes for when I didn’t feel like leaving home.

It felt like a success to be able to manage a situation that might have been much more challenging just a few years ago. For the tools I used and a few more ways to deal with back-to-school stress, click here. Remember, improving mental health is not linear; improvements occur but setbacks will occur too. Be patient and kind with yourself as you improve.


About the Author


Jayden (She/Her)

Hello! This is my second year with the Healthy U team and I have loved gaining knowledge about a variety of health topics and working alongside the many talented members. I am currently in the Faculty of Science and working towards majoring in Biology.


I enjoy getting to know new people and spending time with my family. My hobbies include running, camping and skiing.




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Land Acknowledgment

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The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.​

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We recognize that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution. 

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