Almost everyone finds school somewhat stressful, and managing stress is essential for success in both school and at work. However, there are ways to mitigate school stress and make difficult times a bit more tolerable. Here are four tips for easing school stress.
1. Set a Schedule
Procrastination is the main enemy of students, even those earning advanced degrees. Treat school like a job, and force yourself to clock in at predetermined times. Cramming for tests can be exceedingly stressful, and feeling that you’re falling behind can cause you to fall in a vicious cycle where stress prevents your from focusing as much as you need. Feel free to tweak your schedule as needed, but make sure you stick to it.
2. School and Life Balance
Too often, those enrolled in online history masters programs and earning other degrees have trouble balancing their school time and leisure time. It’s difficult to learn effectively if don’t give your mind time to relax, and studies show that getting away from books and flashcards can help with memory retention. In addition to scheduling time for school-related activities, schedule time for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Make the most of your free time.
3. Sleep and Exercise
School often causes people to have hectic schedules, and this often leads to poor sleep schedules. Learn how many hours of sleep you need per night, and make sure you’re getting enough. Sleeping lets you study more efficiently, which can give you more free time. It also helps you perform well in the classroom, enabling your to walk into tests feeling confident. While it can be difficult to insert exercise into your schedule, doing so can improve your mental function considerably. Explore various exercise options and find options you enjoy.
4. Study Effectively
School demands time, but using your time most effectively can help relieve stress. Explore online resources to find ones that work for you. Flashcards, for example, are great for rote memorization, and online resources can let you access flashcards from your smart device or iPad, enabling you to study on the go. Place an emphasis on studying early as knowing your paper is ready well in advance means you won’t have to fret as the deadline approaches.
Advanced education provides tremendous opportunities, but many students find themselves feeling overwhelmed during the school year. Be proactive; taking some time to chart a realistic schedule can have a major impact on your stress levels, especially when courses get more demanding.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys tennis and spending time with her family. Kara recommends looking into diplomacy programs for more information on degrees that can help save the world.
All views and opinions of guest authors are theirs alone and are not representative of the views of Petersons.com.
