Tips for reducing stress at uni
No one likes deadlines, exams or results day. Whether your course is exam based, or more coursework focused, these important periods can be an extremely stressful time.
Our tips are aimed at helping you maximise your working hours to get the best grade possible while still remaining calm, collected and stress free. After all, if you burn the candle at both ends, you can’t expect to do your best.
Schedule breaks to lower stress
Breaks are important to keep your brain functioning at its best capacity. Each person is different, you may find that you need a break every half an hour for five minutes to ensure you’re remaining focused, or you may find a break every two hours is what you need. Listen to your body and mind, they know what is best.
Plan your revision
Having a revision or assignment plan is a good way to help structure your work. Divide your assignment into sections if you can, so you can spend a week perfecting each part. A revision timetable can help you focus on each specific topic and not become overwhelmed by the content in its entirety.
Pace yourself
Don’t feel disheartened if your assignment isn’t perfect after the first draft or if you haven’t learnt your exam’s content in one week. Pace yourself in your revision or assignment writing, avoid cramming where possible and structure your work. These tips will all help in keeping you productive and will stop you becoming overwhelmed by your workload.
Group learning
Your classmates and peers can be extremely beneficial in helping you understand a subject or perfect an answering technique. Go through past questions, have them proofread a paragraph to check for mistakes with grammar or go through topics you may not fully understand.
Mix-up your revision location
Sometimes, the key to keeping your brain going is to mix up your routine. Maybe, instead of working in the library you work from home, or in a quiet café for a day instead. This change may help your productivity and keep you motivated.
Sleep
Remember to sleep. A classic student phrase is “I pulled an all-nighter”. The truth is, will the work you’ve completed at 4am be truly your best work? Get your 8 hours rest, look after yourself and your work quality should remain consistent.
Eat well
Similar to the comment on sleep, a diet of snacks and energy drinks will not be doing your body any favours, so may not be helping your mind either. Avoid the sugar crashes and try to prep your meals for a study day, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Exercise
Exercise is great for the mind as well as the body. After a full day studying, or for a revision break why not go for a run? Or, attend a fitness class? You’ll feel better after it, trust us. It can be a great stress reliever, a social activity and a different physical outlet for your worries.
Let us know what you think of these tips in the comments below! Whether you’ve tried them before or have new ideas to share we want to hear from you.