Academic Anxiety is Running Rampant: A Tutor's Perspective on ACT Benefitting Students.
Academic anxiety is running wild at this time of year, and for students, it's not going anywhere anytime soon... I often signpost students out to mental health professionals and support, and I have observed from their issues and feedback that a certain type of therapy, 'Acceptance and Commitment Therapy' (or 'ACT'), has been particularly useful .
I'd like to share with you how ACT principles can specifically help students in coping with academic stress and anxiety:
1. Mindfulness and Acceptance:
ACT encourages mindfulness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. In terms of academic anxiety, instead of struggling against anxious thoughts (e.g., "I must not fail this exam"), ACT encourages acknowledging these thoughts without judgment and learning to let them pass.
2. Clarifying Values and Goals:
3. 'Defusion' Techniques:
4. Behavioural Commitment:
5. Enhancing Psychological Flexibility:Â
These strategies aim to foster mindfulness, clarify values, manage thoughts effectively, commit to more positive actions, and cultivate psychological flexibility, all of which is particularly useful for students.
If you're experiencing academic anxiety, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional who specialises in ACT to explore these principles further and develop a personalised approach to managing anxiety in the academic context.
For an easily accessible read on ACT, try The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris.
Click below for free access to Chapter 1- 'A Taster' of the full book, so to speak.
Free Download:Â ACT Resources- Extras from Dr. Russ Harris, The Happiness Trap. (worksheets, audio files, meditations, general ACT resources)
BUT if you need academic help- who are you going to call??
Wishing you the very best with your studies... Or, ehm- demon expulsions?....
Well, either way, good luck with that. Demons must be slayed either way and whoever said that college couldn't take the form of a demon?
Ruby-Mai
Professional Writer. Published Poet. Dedicated Tutor. Degree-holder.
(Upgrade from Candle-holder [but barely])
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