Finding time to relax while studying a demanding degree or diploma can be difficult. Most of the time, procrastination gets in the way and causes you stress when deadlines and assignments need to be met but aren’t. Although procrastination is a common cause of stress, there are others too, such as parental pressure, the balance between working and studying, and personal issues.

It is important that you find ways to reduce stress so that your mind is clear and functional when it comes to exams and assignments. Because we want to see you succeed in your studies, we have created a guide to help you rid yourself of harmful stress.

Be clever with your time

A study plan reduces stress in three ways. Firstly, it gives you time to study systematically so that you don’t have to cram it all in on the night before the exam. Secondly, it shows your progress methodically, allowing you to feel calmer and more confident. Lastly, it gives you the opportunity to plan your free time carefully, meaning you can spend it with your family and friends or by relaxing and enjoying some alone time.

General health

Your health is arguably the biggest asset you can have when you study. Being healthy increases your energy and ensures blood flow to the brain, which is helpful when studying and taking exams. Vitality is essential for effective learning, and to safeguard your wellbeing, there are three important health categories to take note of.

Always be sure to eat a variety of healthy foods that give you a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Building your immune system keeps your mind on its toes.

Exercise is an instant stress reliever and a healthy habit. Keep moving and you will leave stress in the dust.

Mental health is a crucial component for everyone, no matter their situation. Make sure you talk to someone about any issues you might be having, whether it is a professional, your family or a close friend.

Know your method

We all have a preferred study method. Different people learn in different ways, such as auditory learning (learning through hearing), visual learning (learning with the use of images), or kinetic learning (learning through physical movement). Finding the best way to study your degree or diploma will help you enjoy what you are studying and reduce the frustration of not being able to memorise the content you’ are learning.

There is power in a pack

Studying with a partner or group is an effective way of staying in the loop of the curriculum you are undertaking. Usually, stress arises when you foresee or imagine a situation in an exam where you get a question and think “I don’t remember learning this?” Studying in groups can help eradicate this type of self-doubt, and it will also help when it comes to solving problems or issues you may have with the content in the curriculum.

By following the above guide, you should be able to study with a stress-free mind and body. Remember that stress can be managed with repetition and routine.

We understand that many people deal with stress in different ways and we would love to hear what your biggest causes of stress are and how you manage them.

Best of luck with your studies!