Being a student can be one of the most exciting and transformative phases of life. This is the time when you have no other responsibility other than to learn as much as you can and expand your knowledge, explore your interests, get good grades, and lay the foundation for your future. However, the pursuit of academic excellence also comes with its fair share of challenges, such as the overwhelming stress and pressure that often plague students, especially when there are mountains of academic requirements to pass and examinations to take. In this article, we will help you discover the tried and tested ways of managing stress so that you can learn effectively and achieve academic excellence.
Studying Can Be Stressful—But It Doesn’t Have To Be
If you are aiming to get good grades or even just pass a difficult course, studying can be stressful. In fact, research reveals that as much as 8 out of 10 university students reported struggling with stress and anxiety in school. This is because students are expected to fulfil their academic responsibility by meeting deadlines for projects and assignments and achieving passing marks on their examinations—that is—on top of maintaining their social and personal lives. For most students, this could be overwhelmingly stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, the use of effective stress management techniques, and good study habits, you can manage stress, achieve academic success, have a vibrant social life, and even have fun studying—because learning is supposed to be fun, exciting, and enlightening!
How to Manage Stress and Achieve Academic Success
Here are the tried and tested strategies that can help you manage stress effectively and emerge as a well-put, successful student:
1. Develop Time Management Skills
What does every successful student have in common? Good time management skills. To stay on top of all your academic responsibilities, you need to be able to manage your time well. The first step to do so is to create a study schedule that effectively allocates time for coursework, assignments, personal life, and maybe even extracurricular activities. When it comes to time management, tools such as calendars, planners, to-do lists, or digital apps will help you stay organised. Make sure you list all the deadlines of your projects, examination dates, and school events in your calendar so you can keep track of the dates and prepare for them beforehand. Then, make a to-do list of your tasks, making sure to prioritise the tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Effective time management not only helps you get your work done on time but also reduces stress by providing structure and a sense of control over your schedule.
2. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals for your academic journey can be an incredible motivator. Your goals serve as markers that will help you stay focused and driven throughout your studies. Break down your large goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate your achievements—no matter how small they may seem—along the way. By setting and achieving goals little by little, you can foster greater motivation and achieve a sense of purpose and direction, which can significantly reduce stress and boost your self-confidence.
3. Use Effective Study Techniques
Effective study techniques are the cornerstone of successful learning. To master your studies and reduce the stress and anxiety of failing a class or getting low scores on exams, experiment with various study methods like:
The Pomodoro Technique
This method of studying involves short, focused study intervals, usually lasting for 25 minutes, with short 5-minute breaks in between as a reward. By breaking down study time into small, manageable chunks, you can prevent burnout, enhance focus, and stay motivated throughout the day. The next thing you know, you have already finished studying your coursework!
Spaced Repetition
Educational psychologists and basically every study guru out there swear by the spaced repetition technique as the best thing a student can do to learn and retain information effectively. This technique involves reviewing and revisiting information over spaced intervals—which could last for hours, days, to weeks—to allow the brain to reinforce and solidify memories gradually.
Active Learning
Instead of just reading your notes over and over again, engage with your study material actively. Summarise, teach someone else, or create flashcards to interact with the content rather than passively reading or listening to lectures.
4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your physical and mental health are closely linked to your academic performance. Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritising sleep are essential for both your studies and stress management. Avoid excessive caffeine and junk food, as these can lead to energy crashes and reduced focus. Instead, opt for fruits and vegetables, and take your vitamins regularly. After all, a well-nourished and well-rested body is better equipped to handle the demands of student life and reduce stress.
5. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness exercises, or yoga can help you stay calm and grounded no matter how stressful life can get. Regular practice of these techniques can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.
However, it could take lots of practice before you can master the art of mindfulness. If you need immediate results, you can consider the best CBD products to help ease your stress and anxiety and achieve a state of zen. Given its anxiolytic and antioxidant properties, CBD can help you relax and manage stress, especially when coupled with the practice of relaxation techniques.
6. Seek Social Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or campus counsellors when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone you trust can provide emotional support and valuable perspective that can help relieve emotional stress.
7. Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks during your study sessions is vital for maintaining productivity and focus. Short, scheduled breaks can prevent burnout and allow your brain to recharge. Use these breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or do something enjoyable. It’s a small investment in time that pays significant dividends in terms of increased efficiency and reduced stress.
8. Allot Time for Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish; it’s an essential component of your holistic well-being. Take time to pamper yourself with activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or simply unwinding in a warm bath, these moments of self-care can rejuvenate your spirit and help you de-stress.
Good Grades Are Not The End-All Be-All
Most students feel a lot of stress and pressure from the desire to perform exceedingly well at school, but it is essential to remember that good grades are not the end-all-be-all that defines a good student. Studying should be centred on your personal growth, self-discovery, and expanding your horizons to learn about new things. But that would be hard to do if you are overwhelmed with stress.
Mastering the science and art of studying while keeping stress at bay is the ultimate goal of every student. Effective time management, goal setting, and mindful study techniques help you excel academically, while a focus on a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and self-care ensures you’re equipped to tackle the demands of student life with resilience and success. With these tools in hand, you can confidently pave your way to academic excellence and personal well-being without stressing over.
