Stress management: keeping up with the Joneses in reverse (London)

Writing the blog Distraction therapy: comparing yourself to others has just reminded me of what used to happen when students came to see me, all stressed out about their struggles with their course — the learning difficulties they were experiencing, their lack of progression (especially when writing essays or dissertations).

I’d run through a checklist with them:

What’s the problem: 

—> Material (or lack of) from research? 

—> Ideas? 

—> Language (don’t know how to express things in Chinese/English)? 

—> Time management (can’t fit everything into the time given)? 

—> Concentration problems (nodding off, can’t focus)?

—> etc

Then, I’d add the story of my own experience(s), mainly featuring my struggles and failures.  

It always works wonders — ooh, three final “s” in a row!  And three “w” in a row [almost]!  

They are so pleased not to be the only one who’s struggling, not to be the only “stupid” one.

They always left my office with tensed-up body all loosened up, a smile on their faces, saying, “I wish I’d come to you earlier!”

(London, 1980s–2011)