I'm a graduating student. I can say I've done great on my studies. But lately, I've been put under intense pressure with unrealistic expectations. I think I'm about to break. What can I do?

When you feel like you're overwhelmed, under-prepared or simply facing an extremely daunting task - the best thing you can do is to take a step back. Reflect. Focus on the aspects of what you can do, piece by piece so you aren't just looking at the mass of things you need to do at once. It's very easy to feel like you're goliath in the current society (which makes you feel like you must be everything/do everything and make it look easy. That isn't how real life works. Make sure you're indulging in a modicum of self-care and self love. Take that time to back away from a situation that can seem gargantuan and take a moment to breath. Break it down into smaller problems you CAN affect.

It is really hard to be in that kind of situation. I know that there are so many expectations placed in a graduating student since their beloved ones and society think that he or she capable of doing so many things, even the unrealistic ones. How do you usually deal with such a hard obstacle in your life? Try to remember your own know-how and try to find deep in yourself what do you need to do to overcome this situation? Give your time to rest, if rest is the answer. Go meet people you trust, if that your way to relieve burden. Eat some good food, if eating can make you feel better. Engage in community if that makes you feeling inspired. And if you are religious you may pray and tell God everything that bottled up in you. Good luck for you, whatever you do and whenever you are.

In my opinion it is time for some self care. I would suggest relaxation techniques such as mindfulness of diaphragmatic breathing. There are websites and YouTube videos that offer help with meditation. Another option is getting a professional massage. If none of those things sound appealing to you, find something that you enjoy and that you find comfort in doing and practice it alone. Some people enjoy drawing, painting, writing, scrap booking, playing instruments, playing music, listening to music, or speaking with a friend or support person. In addition to those suggestions, please speak with your instructors and academic adviser or counselor and notify them of the difficulty you are having. In most cases, you will find them to be very compassionate and helpful.

Unrealistic expectations are rigid. They don't leave any room for changing circumstances or let us be flexible. Be realistic, clear your goals, buildup your strength and overcome your weaknesses. Think about what you can do not what you have to do. Always telly your goals every step of the way. Make healthy decisions, and try to have a balanced life. Work on your weakness and turn them into your strengths which will lead you to your goals. Manage your expectations. When you see yourself on the balanced side of life then you can make better decisions for yourself.

Since you partially described intense pressure as a problem, so you can see from where exactly the pressure comes from and focus on it. Since, you haven't completely described the type of pressure, its best to look for the solution from your peers, acquaintances or family members, they can understand your problem if you talk to them. If you still feel that the problem is still present in the long term, consult an expert who can comprehend the issue. That should be the very last solution. I hope this has given you some clarity and best wishes for your studies.