Managing Stress

Stress has been defined as the physical and emotional reaction people experience when there is a disparity between the demands on them and their ability to meet or cope with these demands.

  • Almost all law students experience some degree of stress.
  • Normal stress can serve as a catalyst for change and can lead to personal growth.
  • But stress can easily get out of control and make you miserable.

Signs that stress is really getting to you

  • Problems sleeping (too much, too little).
  • Changes in your eating patterns (too much, too little).
  • Irritability.
  • Sadness, crying.

Things you can do to help manage stress

  • Develop a plan for time management.
  • Hold realistic expectations.
  • Try not to obsess about things that are out of your control.
  • Exercise.
  • Maintain social supports.
  • Get enough sleep.

Seek help early if stress is making you unhappy

  • Meet with the Director of Academic Success & Bar Programs to work on a time management plan. To make an appointment, please visit Academic Success & Bar Programs in Warren Hall room 206, call (619) 260-4793 or email lawacademicsuccess@sandiego.edu.
  • Visit USD's Counseling Center, Saints Tekakwitha & Serra Hall, Room 300. For office hours please visit the website or call (619) 260-4655 to make an appointment.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact:

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & BAR PROGRAMS
Warren Hall Room 116-130
(619) 260-4651
lawacademicsuccess@sandiego.edu