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All students experience stress. Sometimes a bit of stress can be helpful, motivating you to study or finish an essay. But to help you get through your studies, from home, as calmly as possible, we’ve put together eight tips for coping with stress and anxiety.
1) Don’t panic
If you feel yourself getting stressed and anxious, the best thing to do is close your eyes and take long, slow, deep breaths. Go outside, fresh air is great for calming your nerves.
2) Think positive
Keep things in perspective. While exams and assignments are very important, try to remember that the world won’t end if you don’t do as well as you’d like. Don’t be so hard on yourself, and don’t let anybody pressure you.
3) Plan, plan, plan
If you’ve got a big exam or assignment coming up, or lots of work to work through on your own, plan your time. Make a day-by-day calendar, planning one to three hour blocks of study or work for each assessment, including breaks. Put it on the wall or have it on your computer desktop, and STICK TO IT. Also, set small goals, and reward yourself for hitting them.
4) Find a study buddy
Remember - you’re not alone. Look around and you’ll see many other students, probably feeling exactly the same stress you are. Ask them to meet up for online study sessions, and help each other learn and cope.
5) Look after yourself
Staying healthy is extremely important for managing stress and anxiety. Eat regular, healthy meals, get at least eight hours sleep a night, and exercise regularly.
6) Get your zen on
We recommend starting with mindfulness to relieve stress and help with focus. Mindfulness is the practice of resting your mind and body by focusing on the present moment. Visit Smiling Mind or download a great mindfulness app and see how mindfulness can help you.
7) Keep it natural
There are a number of things that can contribute to your stress, and the first is coffee. Coffee might seem like your best friend, but will most likely increase your anxiety or stress.
8) Ask for help
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Make an appointment with a counsellor, they are offering online consultations.