Nearly half (49%) of all students reported feeling a great deal of stress daily, and 31 percent reported feeling somewhat stressed. Although there is a range of stressors that affect students, one of the most common is schoolwork. Stress while studying can come from many different sources. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), 41% of all student stress comes from tests and exams, 39% is “due to difficult course material,” and 33% comes from extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports. Other sources, such as personal problems or lack of sleep, could trigger stress while studying. Here are things to do to avoid stress.
1. Exercise and Eat Well
This is probably the most obvious step of all. Studies have shown that lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive exercise can take a toll on your body. Pay attention to your sleep cycle. Experts recommend having seven to eight hours of sleep every night as this will help you stay healthy and alert throughout the day, but try to get at least an hour more than that to have time for exercise in the morning and evening. Eat foods that will keep you full; don’t skip meals; avoid eating junk food too much because it takes away your energy levels. Not only will this help you prevent stress while studying, but it will also make you feel better physically.
2. Supplements
Several vitamins and supplements can help you prevent stress while studying. For example, Vitamin C will boost your immune system and keep you healthy by fighting off infections, which can help relieve the stress from feeling sick. Fish oil helps the brain maintain its functionality and the liver remain healthy. Fish oil also improves memory and concentration, which are essential when studying for exams. Hgh for sale online are also a good treatment for stress, as they help improve mood and energy levels. Supplements such as these will help you study better to compensate for the lack of sleep and bad eating habits.
3. Study Plan
Many people struggle because they don’t have a proper study schedule, so it is essential to have one to prevent stress. A study plan will help you ensure you stay on track with your studies and also allow you to meet your deadlines without stressing out. Create a study schedule in advance; set the time and place where you go to study each night and stick to it. It will also help you review your notes before your exam to be confident about the material.
4. Take Breaks
You may work for hours and feel like you are making progress, but research shows this is unhealthy. Experts suggest taking at least a five-minute break for every 52 minutes of studying, as this will help with memory retention and help prevent stress while learning. It’s essential to allow yourself enough time to enjoy the things you love outside of school, such as spending time with friends or reading a good book. Taking breaks will also help you keep your sanity in check during your busy study lifestyle.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential to help you maintain good memory, performance, and concentration. The National Sleep Foundation says that teenagers are more likely to suffer from a lack of sleep than rest because their bodies require more sleep than adults. While you may be tempted to stay up late and study for a big test in the morning, ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night. It would be best to avoid napping during the day as this can disrupt your sleeping pattern at night.
6. Limit stress
There are several things you can do to limit your stress while studying. For example, take a few deep breaths to relax. Don’t keep thinking about the upcoming exam or project; instead, focus on something else for 10 minutes, like the latest episode of your favorite show or even the latest episode of Survivor! These small things can help you ensure that your body and mind are ready for the upcoming challenge. Another great way to limit stress is having fun with friends, playing a board game, or going on a long walk to get out of your room and enjoy life.
7. Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
The National Center for Biotechnology Information says that PMR is a “progressive relaxation technique frequently used to reduce stress, muscle tension, and anxiety.” All you need to do is sit in a quiet place in a comfortable position while focusing on your breathing. Then, tense and relax all of the muscles in your body one by one. Start with your toes, then move up to your ankles, calves, thighs, stomach, chest, and shoulders. Once a person learns to control the tension in their muscles consciously, they can learn to problem-solve by relaxing their muscles when faced with stressors.
8. Meditate
There are many different types of meditation. Some examples include mindfulness meditation, which teaches people how to focus on the present and not be so caught up in their thoughts, and biofeedback meditation, which involves learning to become more aware of your feelings and behavior through an instrument called a “mind wand.” To meditate effectively, you should choose the one you understand and can carry out daily. This can help you prevent stress while studying because if you can calm yourself before doing your work, it will help you stay relaxed.
There are many different strategies that people can use to help them attain a balanced lifestyle that includes studying. These strategies, when used together, will help prevent all types of stress while learning. However, each individual will have a different set of stressors; if you need assistance with your study habits, consult a professional. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. However, there are ways that you can control it before it starts getting out of hand!
