Stress is the way in which your mind and body respond to the pressures and demands placed on it by external as well as internal factors. Stress is not so much a result of the factors themselves, but more how we react to them.
Not all stress is bad though. Some create the necessary drive for us to perform at our best but more often than not, the stress we experience can be debilitating. When we do not know how to effectively deal with stress, it can have a negative effect on almost every area of our lives.
Here are five easy techniques that can help you better cope with stress.
1. Create a system that helps you manage your time better.
By doing a little each day you will be able to effectively work through what seems like a mountain of work. Start with the most difficult task on your list first and remember that you do not have to finish the task in one sitting. What is important is that you start and get the ball rolling. You can also make a point of taking advantage of small times during the day to do your work. Even if you just have a quick 10 minutes, try to think about what you have to do and make notes when inspiration strikes.
2. Make use of visualization techniques.
Visualisation techniques have been proven to significantly reduce stress. Among many other benefits, these techniques also quickly and efficiently provide physical relaxation; allowing you to reduce the effect that stress has on your mind and your body. Visualisation techniques also allow you to detach yourself from the situation, calm down and rationally deal with the cause of your stress.
3. Make exercise part of your daily routine.
Exercise has been proven to reduce the levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Not only is exercise beneficial to your physical health, but it also stimulates the production of endorphins in the body which act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Next time you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, take a few minutes and get some exercise to clear your head and lift your spirits.
4. Recreate the conditions.
A great deal of stress comes from the unknown. When you are not sure what to expect or if the situation is new to you, stress has a way of taking over and when your first response is flight instead of fight, you can be sure that the outcome will be less than favourable. While preparing for your test, try and mimic the situation that you will be in. It is always a good idea to do mock tests while timing yourself. You can also try studying in the same room as the test will be in or set up your desk in the same way as it will be during your test. All of these exercises will help you to familiarize yourself and take the unknown factor out of the equation.
5. Take care of yourself first.
When things are getting busy and you feel like you cannot cope with all the pressure, it does seem somewhat counterproductive to take a step back and focus on you first. It is important to remember, however, that you cannot fight a body that has simply had enough. Listen to your body when it tells you to stop and make sure to give it the care it needs in order to recharge and get back to work later. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals regularly, take enough breaks and above all, love yourself!
References:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/academic-pressure-5-tips-_n_2774106.html / https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Stress-at-School / https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179 / https://www.learnpsychology.org/student-stress-anxiety-guide / https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/leaflets/stress/
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