Academic stress can be draining even under normal circumstances. But it is even worse now when a lot of students have classes over Zoom and do not spend as much quality time with their friends as they did before. Combined, the pandemic and tons of academic assignments can get too much. So consider following these tips to lower your stress levels.
#1 Protect your work-life balance
Finding the right balance between studying and rest does not come easy to students, especially when they first start college. They worry about their grades too much to be able to have a day off without stressing over assignments. Students might order a paper from paperwriter.com, but the main problem, meaning the inability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, will not go away.
Also, a lot of students cannot afford not to work. So they have extra responsibilities and all the stress that comes with them. The only thing that can help is putting your well-being first. No matter how essential your GPA is, make it a rule to take breaks, have days off occasionally, and spend quality time with friends. Staying buried in books 24/7 will not make you a professional.
#2 Stick to your routines
One of the anti-stress strategies that most mental health professionals recommend is to create one’s own routines and stick to them. Make it a habit to study until 3 p.m. and then leave your house for a one-hour walk. Or, if the COVID-19 restrictions in your area allow this, spend a couple of hours a day in the library in the same spot. And then reward yourself with a delicious dinner.
No matter how small your routines are, protect them. Even something as seemingly minor as the food you snack on while studying counts. Routines ground people, create a sense of stability, and, therefore, reduce stress.
#3 Spend time with your loved ones
Friends and family are yet another effective remedy for academic or any other stress. Just like routines, they are a source of familiarity. It is almost impossible to stay stressed while you are out for dinner with your best friend or visit your family for holidays.
Also, spending time with one’s loved ones comes with a lot of hugs, which is perfect for reducing stress. Pleasant physical touch makes the human body release oxytocin, one of the so-called “happy hormones.” It improves one’s mood and lowers stress levels.
#4 Make plans but do not pressure yourself
Sure, most StudyTube channels recommend students to journal, have a planner, and use a productivity app like Notion. They are not wrong. All these things do help people who struggle with time management. They also make it easier to develop better habits and stick to healthy routines.
But avoid going overboard with making plans. If you goal-set too much, it is easy to cross the line between making plans and pressuring yourself. Listen to your body and mind. If you do not feel like studying every once in a while (but obviously not too often), it is okay to skip a day. Spend it with your friend, recharge, and get back to work tomorrow.
#5 Get enough sleep
Sleep is critical for managing stress. If a person sleeps less than 7 hours a night more than once or twice a week, it is a problem. They might not feel like they are struggling, but their body and mind most likely do. No partying or even studying is worth it.
If sleep does not come easily to you, add exercise and meditation to your daily routine. Improved diet and a healthy eating schedule can help as well. But if insomnia persists, it might be a good idea to see a physician. Do not self-medicate with melatonin gummies.
#6 Find time to be physically active
There is a reason why all health professionals are so obsessed with exercise. Sports do wonders for people’s physical and mental well-being. But if you cannot find a sport for you, try these unconventional options:
- Dance parties for one. “Dance like nobody’s watching,” they say. So turn on the music you like, close the door to your room (unless you live alone), and spend 30 minutes moving to the beat.
- Hiking or walking with friends. Instead of watching a movie or eating out, consider going on a hike. If your friends are looking for ways to be more active, they will appreciate it. And hiking is fun.
- Rock climbing. If there is a rock climbing or bouldering gym in your area, give it a try. It is a sport like nothing else, and most people fall in love with it instantly.
- Exploring the city by bike. If you have recently moved to a new place, exploring it by bike is a great way to stay physically active. And you will get to show off your knowledge of the area.
- Playing disc dog. If you have a dog (or are thinking of getting one), go to a dog park and play disc dog. Pets + sports = less stress.
#7 Try to keep your screen time under control
Finally, try to limit your screen time. Sure, it is not an easy thing to do, especially for students who study remotely. Zoom fatigue is a real thing, and it has never been a bigger problem than it has become since the beginning of the pandemic.
Students do not have control over how much time they spend in front of the screen during classes. But they do have control over their free time. So when you have a study break, try to go out for a walk or meditate instead of watching a YouTube video.
TL;DR
Overall, the best way to manage academic stress is to take care of one’s mental health. The most important steps that can support it are an adequate work-life balance, enough sleep, physical activity, and quality time with one’s friends and family. And getting a dog (if you genuinely want and can afford one) is a bullet-proof way to reduce stress.