Stress while studying is a common feeling that many students experience. Having to juggle course deadlines, studying and exams can feel overwhelming at times. 

As it’s Stress Awareness Month this April, we wanted to share our three tips to reduce stress while you are studying.

 

How do I know if I am stressed?

Our body has ways to let us know we are stressed. According to the NHS, if you are stressed you may feel:

  • Irritable
  • Anxious
  • Like you cannot enjoy other activities
  • Worried a lot of the time

You may also have difficulty sleeping, find it hard to concentrate, bite your nails, pick your skin, grind your teeth, feel short of breath and snap at people.

 

How can I reduce stress while studying? 

With over 33 years of experience helping students, Cambridge Marketing College has three top tips they often share with students. 

1. Take time to relax

It’s important to take time to relax when you are studying. Breathing exercises are a great way to reduce stress levels and help your body relax, or do something you love to give your brain a break.

2. Time Management 

Managing your time can reduce stress levels dramatically when studying. With lots of tasks to complete and lots of things to remember, prioritisation is key. A great tool to help you prioritise your tasks and time is the Eisenhower box. 

The Eisenhower Box

Eisenhower box

How does the Eisenhower box work?

Split all your tasks into sections:

  1. Any task that cannot wait, will sit in the urgent and important section
  2. Tasks that you can schedule later, but still need to be completed will sit in the important but not urgent section
  3. Tasks you can ask others to complete will sit in the urgent but not important section
  4. Tasks you can get rid of, will sit in the not urgent and not important section

Completing the Eisenhower box will help you know which task to begin with, and what tasks can be removed.

 

3. Tackle forgetfulness

It can be frustrating when you have spent lots of time revising, but your mind can’t remember the information a day later. Understandably, this can contribute to stress especially when there are upcoming deadlines.

There are a few ways to overcome forgetfulness when studying:

  1. Write out your notes
  2. Speak out loud about the topic you have covered
  3. Explain what you have learned to another person or your cat
  4. Create or complete a quiz to keep studying fun
  5. Get a friend or family member to test you
  6. Apply a real situation to what you have learnt
  7. Practice exam questions

For more on tackling forgetfulness when studying, check out our helpful article here.

If you are looking for further help in reducing stress, check out the Cambridge Marketing College’s webinar below hosted by Neil Wilkins.