DR. WALLACE: This is going to be my final year of high school. I’m concerned about what college I’ll be able to attend next year. I am constantly thinking and worrying about it, and it seems this has caused me to now always have an upset stomach.
Do you know a good way to deal with my college anxiety, or should I see a professional? — Uncertain future, via email
UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Anxiety over a big upcoming event in your life is normal and can often be beneficial because it usually increases alertness and pushes you to do your best. Most performers use their anxiety for that extra spark to succeed. A key here, however, is not to feel helpless or in any way controlled by your anxiety. This is easier said than done. But when anxiety lingers, it’s time to act. Here are some recommendations from Mayo Clinic’s Health Letter — one I find very useful for teens and young adults to follow:
Talk about your problem. Tell a friend or family member about your concern. Sharing your burden may lighten your load. Also, acknowledge your limitations.
Do something you enjoy. A pleasant activity, listening to your favorite music or watching a movie. These will help distract your mind and relax you.
Get enough rest. Go to bed early. A good night’s sleep is restorative, and you’ll be better able to cope.
Exercise regularly. Physical exercise relaxes you and helps you to sleep well.
Eat properly. Good nutrition is a buffer against anxiety. Decrease your intake of caffeine, chocolate and alcohol.
Get into the habit of planning your time and schedules in advance. A day with too much or too little scheduled can aggravate and trigger anxiety. Have a step-by-step plan for your day.
Accept reality. This will help liberate you from your worry.
Get involved. Help yourself by helping others. Isolation can magnify your worries. Get involved with other people with worthwhile endeavors.
If none of these suggestions helps you feel calmer, or if your anxiety intensifies and cannot be contained, then I agree at that juncture, it would be time to discuss the situation with your doctor as a starting point. Your family physician can overlay your symptoms against your medical charts and history and provide you with some targeted recommendations and referrals as needed.
STUDYING MAKES ME TIRED
DR. WALLACE: I’m trying my absolute best to get really good grades this year so I can go to a good college next year. But by the time I get home from school and eat my dinner, it’s usually past 7 p.m. Then, I try to study for two to three hours. My problem is that I get tired after one full hour of hard studying.
My mom told me it would help to take a break and jump into a warm shower for two minutes. I did try it twice, but it didn’t help me much either time. Can you offer me any good advice on how I can attain the stamina to study late into the night? — Out of energy early, via email
OUT OF ENERGY EARLY: The first thing that jumps out for me is to ask if it’s possible for you to squeeze in an hour of study time before dinner. Then, you’d enjoy your dinner break and hopefully be able to add another hour or more of effective study time in the evening.
But if you must start your study time after dinner, so be it. Now, on to your showers! Your mom meant to be helpful, but she gave you the wrong information. Warm baths and showers tend to induce sleep! This unfortunately is exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
What you should try instead is a cool or slightly cold shower. This is usually found to be refreshing and stimulating by most people. It’s worth a try to dial down the heat and brace yourself for a bit of cold water, especially when you find yourself needing a study break. Afterward, I trust you will be very invigorated and may find that “second wind” you seek to study a bit longer. Give it a try. It has worked often for me at various ages in my lifetime — especially when I was near your age!
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected] To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
