Whether you are a new learner or have been a student for some time, managing stress while studying can be tricky. Research has shown that some amounts of managing stress can be beneficial, to get you to your optimal levels of alertness and behavioural and cognitive performance. Chronic stress, however, is not beneficial in the long run. The NHS notes that feelings of high stress or an inability to manage one’s stress levels can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, as well as affecting your academic performance. Signs you are stressed may include irritability, anxiety, feelings of being worried all the time, not being able to sleep properly, hard of concentrating, shortness of breath or shallow and fast breathing.
So, what can we do to manage our stress levels while studying? Firstly, it is important to work out what is causing our stress. Is it the exams? Is it the reading material? By understanding what is causing our stress, we will be better equipped to deal with it. A common source of stress is feeling a lack of control over a situation. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your coursework, feeling there is too much and too little time, then the organisation may be a good way to help you feel more in control. Splitting tasks into smaller chunks can make the task seem more manageable and give you smaller goals to achieve. By checking off several small goals, you may feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing your continual progression through the task at hand.
Another important way to manage your stress is to ensure you are getting enough sleep. Most of us have spent late nights trying to cram before an exam, thinking that if we just re-read that last chapter, at 2 am, that the information will finally stick. But keeping a regular sleeping routine is a positive way to manage your stress. Irregular sleeping patterns, or lack of sleep, can increase your stress levels. According to the NHS, most adults need between 6 to 9 hours of sleep every night and note that it is important to try and wake up at the same time every day. Alongside the importance of sleep, diet and exercise are other ways in which you can manage your stress levels. Regular exercise is a good way to blow off steam and let your mind go. If you are not a regular gym fanatic, and the idea of a HIIT session sounds daunting, then taking a slow bike ride, or going for a walk, are also beneficial ways to de-stress. Trying to eat healthily, and not engage in ‘emotional eating, is another way to manage your stress. Make sure you get your daily dose of vegetables and fruits and limit your intake of fatty and sugary snacks.
Besides the above suggestions of how to Managing Stress while studying, you must try and figure out what works for you. Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising regularly are good baseline, but you may also find meditation, breathing exercises or talking to someone helpful. Make sure you take the time to listen to your body and mind and find your own calming space.
At We-are-HR we focus on helping our Learners to better managing stress of studying alongside work, personal and family life. We encourage our Learners to attend regular self-care sessions through access to Mr Motivator Club. Here Learners receive a personal self-care plan devised specifically for each need.
We aim to ensure that Learner Well-being is at the heart of everything that we do!
Natasia Hieber