Learning Development Service

Contact Info

Learning Development Service
Student Guidance Centre

Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3618

E-mail: lds@qub.ac.uk

Office Hours

Normal hours are Monday-Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Evening and Skype appointments are available upon request.

2011 Teaching Award Recipient



Managing Stress

Stress can be both beneficial and problematic. It is important to know what the difference is and how to cope with stress in different situations.

Some benefits of pressure

  • Helps to motivate us e.g. to learn, achieve goals
  • Stimulates us to get things done
  • Pressure and demands from situations and people challenge us‌
  • Energy that can be used creatively
  • Personal growth

Think of a recent example where you felt stressed and it was useful to help you perform
e.g. your driving test, revising for an exam. meeting an essay deadline...

Unhelpful stress

Sometimes stress can become a problem. Unhelpful stress is when you cannot successfully cope with, or believe you cannot successfully cope with, a situation - resulting in unwanted physical, mental or emotional reactions (HMSO 1987). If you start thinking, feeling or having physical sensations that are unpleasant and last for more than a short period of time, you could be stressed. This is your body is trying to tell you to slow down or calm down.

If you want to find out more about how to manage stress please click here (booklet created by the Learning Development Service). Also, check out our short guide to stress management at exam time. Book a one-to-one to talk over stress and time management tips with one of our tutors.

If you are struggling with stress please contact the University counselling support for helpful advice and support; you may also want to contact your GP.