They say happiness is a state of mind. But maintaining this state of mind is anything but simple. This is true for most students today. The burden of assignments, deadlines, exams, and finding an essay writer become so tough that it inevitably leads to stress and anxiety. More often than not, happiness is replaced by the crippling effects of stress.
Whether you’re in grade school or grad school, it’s natural to experience study-related stress. But this is also something you can manage successfully if you follow the right strategies for coping with stress.
Let’s mull over some effective ways to keep stress at bay and make way for happiness instead.
Make studies more fun
You may be anxious about one particular assignment that’s due in a couple of days or a class presentation due later this week. You just have to sit down and work through it.
In this case, try to figure out how to make studies a little more fun and enjoyable. For example, are all of your friends working on the assignment? Then you can get together with them and study for a few hours at a stretch and order pizza.
Do your classmates need university assignment help? See if you can reserve a classroom or room in the library to work together and share supplies. This will effectively lower everyone’s stress levels.
Good stress management and time management are connected
It’s tough to stay calm when you have tons of assignments staring back at you. Instead, spare time to prevent your work from piling up. Maintain a daily schedule to keep things manageable, so you’re never left with a pile of work to get through in a limited time.
Set aside a block every night for studying. Stick to your schedule, but also take every opportunity to get work done. If you’re waiting for the train, pull out your flashcards.
Limit your stress level by keeping things accessible
Whether in college or not, it’s harrowing when you can’t find something you need. Prevent this issue by implementing effective organisation. Make sure to organise your study space where you keep your stationery and supplies. Use specific spots for things like folders, books, and stationaries, and make it a habit of putting things where they belong as soon as you’re done with them.
For instance, when organising your desk, keep the things you frequently use within arm’s reach and put things you don’t often need in drawers or on shelves.
Indulge in relaxing activities every day to avoid burnout
It’s OK to hustle hard and get stuff done and succeed in class, but you also need to balance it out with time spent resting. Devote time for relaxation into your schedule, but also feel free to take several minutes here and there as needed while you’re in the middle of study sessions.
Opt for relaxation activities that make you feel good: taking a long bath, listening to upbeat music, watching a comedy movie, practising yoga, meditating, doing some quick stretches, taking a few deep breaths, and so on.
Repeat positive affirmations to calm and refocus your mind
You may feel a little awkward at first, but repeating positive affirmations can keep your stress under control. You can continue your self-talk in your head or speak quietly. Use focused, and relevant affirmations like “I am a good person and good things will happen to me” or “I will do my assignment before the deadline.”
Try both scheduled and unscheduled positive affirmations. For example, spare some minutes in the morning and the evening to speak positive affirmations.
Find some time to socialise
Have you been working on that Economics paper for three days straight? You could be stressed because you’re concentrating too much on getting your tasks done. But, don’t forget that your brain is like any other muscle that craves a break now and then. So, take a break and watch a movie. Meet the friends you haven’t met in a while.
Having a social life is an integral part of your college experience, so don’t shy away from letting your hair down when you’re stressed.
Exercise every day for a boost of happiness
You can combine moderate-intensity aerobic exercises like swimming, biking, and speed walking with resistance training (like weight lifting) and flexibility exercises for optimum results. Besides being good for your overall health, physical activities release endorphins, the little “happiness boosters” in your brain that keep you feeling good.
When you sense stress building up inside you, take a break and go for a walk or dance to your favourite music. You can invite a friend to join you for an even more effective stress-busting session. Even household chores and other mundane tasks can also count as exercise. Anything that gets your heart pumping and works up a sweat can help you handle stress.
Get adequate sleep
You won’t be able to retain any of the materials you are studying if you’re sleep-deprived. It may seem convenient to stay up till late every night to prepare assignments and cram for a test. You’ll notice that you’re too tired the next day to put in your best efforts on the exam. When you’re creating your study plan, make sure to schedule a specific time to rest.
You must get at least eight hours of sleep every night. You can take a power nap in the middle of the day for an extra burst of energy. A quick half-hour nap will motivate you if you’re too tired.
Get some perspective
Your academic life may be overwhelming. You’ll want to hang out with your friends and be involved in campus activities. It can sometimes feel 24 hours is too little time for everything you want to accomplish.
There’s only so much any individual can deal with, and you need to remember why you’re in school: academics. No matter how exciting your life gets, you won’t enjoy any of it if you don’t do well in classes. So, keep your eye on the prize.
Seek help when you need it
You may feel hesitant to ask for help, and your friends may not know how stressed out you are. Most college students are going through the same issues, so don’t feel awkward if you need to vent for some time over coffee with a friend.
It may help you figure out what you need to do and allow you to realise that the things you are so stressed about are quite manageable. If you’re worried about sharing too much with a friend, most colleges have counselling centres specifically for the students. Don’t shy away from making an appointment if you think it’ll be helpful.
Winding it up,
For most students, stress is an inevitable outcome of the burden they bear while pursuing their education. But that shouldn’t come in the way of their happiness. These strategies will ensure your college life is happy and fulfilling.