“I’ve had enough of studying, it’s not sticking anymore!” is a fairly common statement made my most students, usually followed by screaming. Studying can be an extremely stressful ordeal especially if you have a hard time retaining the material. It can be quiet taxing when all you can remember is how much you hate studying but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to not let the stress control you, but rather control your stress. There are many varied techniques the help you manage, lessen, or even eliminate your stress. Here are a few time proven tips to effectively put your stress in it’s place.
1. Exercise
This should be a priority for any student, studying or not. As a student you are sitting in one spot for upwards of three hours, depending on your level of academic institution, with little to no breaks. This can lead many students to feel sluggish and lazy and often times have a hard time focusing. Getting daily exercise can help with this. Not only will it give you energy, it will help you get some of that frustration out in a constructive way. The type of exercise doesn’t matter, the important thing is that you get out and get active.
2.Change your study environment
Often times after sitting in one location can lead to a feeling of entrapment, like there’s no escape from the torture that is studying. Changing your study location can have a profound effect on your ability to retain information. Try to avoid cluttered and messy areas as they are very distracting especially when your mind is beginning to wander. Also ambient noise from your surrounding can make it very difficult to focus. If you always study alone, try studying with a group of your peers. With them near you it makes asking for assistance very convenient.
3.Take a nap
Naps can be just the refreshing break your brain needs to get back on track. If you feel as though your brain is about to explode, it’s probably time for a quick power nap. Keep your nap’s short and try to put them in the middle of your study time. More and more doctors have begun recommending brief, around 20 minutes, naps are a great way to recharge and unwind. Be sure to set an alarm though, you wouldn’t want your little cap nap turning into an hour sleep!
4. Put what your studying for into perspective
One of the most important things to do is to take a step back and look at what you are studying for. Often times students work themselves up worrying about what they are studying for that when it comes time to write it, they just blank! While it is important to be serious about your studies, it’s important not to worry about every little detail as though the balance of the world hinges on your success. Whenever you feel as though your are freaking out just take a step back and consider how much work really needs to be put into this. A good rule is if it’s worth little of your cumulative grade, then it doesn’t require a ludicrous amount of time.
This article was written for you by Troy, one of the tutors with SchoolTutoring Academy.