By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Balancing school with a career, family and outside interests may seem overwhelming. That’s why learning to manage stress is an important part of the academic journey.
Here are four main pain points adult students often experience, with tips to help you manage each.
1. Coursework concerns
Whether you’re worried about an assignment or are having trouble communicating with your instructor, coursework challenges can take a toll. Here are a few specific concerns and how to tackle them.
- Writing skills. If you’re not confident about your writing skills, Capella University offers a wide variety of resources to help you improve them, including a writing center.
- Reading strategies. Degree programs often require substantial reading. Identify the material and your purpose for reading it, then use strategies that help you read more efficiently and retain key points. Discussing course materials in online study groups can also support comprehension and retention.
- Time management. One of the bigger issues that adults face when they return to school is how to effectively manage their time. A time management app can help you keep track of research, deadlines and other important factors.
Coursework is a significant part of any degree, and can add pressure around assignment details, grades or deadlines. Approach your coursework with these steps:
- Review the assignment overview and grading rubric. Even if this doesn’t give you the answer, it can help you identify what your question is, so you can talk to your instructor more effectively.
- Contact the instructor with questions about the assignment. The more specific you make your question, the more helpful the answer will be.
- Consult with your classmates. Don’t feel like you are alone in finding your way through the coursework. Bounce ideas off your peers or brainstorm solutions.
2. Financial and work problems
Financial and work problems can affect your progress in school. Use the resources below to identify the next step for the issue you are facing.
- Job loss or dissatisfaction. Whether you’ve lost your job or are dissatisfied with the one you have, career challenges can be unsettling. That said, this can also be a great time to reflect and decide what direction you want your career to go next, and how your education can help you reach that goal.
Capella’s Career Development Center can help students and alumni with career enrichment and advancement opportunities. The Center offers tools to help with your job search, brush up your resume and prepare for interviews. Networking can also be a powerful job search tool.
- Financial issues. If you’re struggling financially, you might think it’s not in the cards to start or finish your degree. Financial aid counselors are available to help you explore all of the ways you can fund your degree, including grants and scholarships*.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
3. Personal life crises
Family emergencies and health issues can impact your ability to complete coursework. Here are two ways you can successfully navigate through this challenging time.
- Contact your instructors. As soon as you know a family emergency or health issue may affect your participation, reach out to your faculty members. Explain which assignments or discussions may be affected and ask whether extra time or another arrangement is available.
- Consult your advisor. Discuss options that may help you continue your coursework during a personal crisis and identify next steps.
4. Technology issues
Living in the digital world has its advantages – but it also comes with a lot of friction.
Broken Internet connections or computer crashes can halt your ability to complete online coursework. Until you get the issue fixed, try these tips.
- Contact your academic coach. They can help contact your faculty members and update them while you are working to resolve the technical issues.
- Explore backup plans. Use a friend’s or relative’s computer, stay late at work or go to a coffee shop or library with free Wi-Fi.
- Limit alerts, notifications and messages. Technology can compete for your attention. Reduce disruptions by setting limits on non-school notifications, focusing on one online task at a time, taking breaks from screens and getting physical activity or spending time outside.
Managing stress while pursuing your online degree
Whatever the stress, there are many resources and techniques available to help you cope. Being aware of your stress levels and what may trigger tension in your life is also important, so that you know when to seek help and support.
