It was the first semester of my masters degree. I approached the gaping double doors already running late - public transport was my excuse. Fortunately, I was let into the exam room to complete a paper on a topic I hardly knew anything about!
Perhaps you can relate to this story. Maybe you are more organised in which case I commend you. But in any situation, exams are very stressful. University is very stressful.
Does stress management really exist for students?
Now I'm no expert, but this was not only a big learning curve for me but a real eye opener too. It had been literally years since I studied in a formal setting and I knew I would have to find future ways to safeguard against stress. Fortunately I found them and would like to share three tips with you today.
Study Frequently Not Constantly
Do you ever find yourself studying so hard at the beginning of the semester only to slow to a halt midway. And then worse still, find yourself struggling to catch up at the end?
I know I did.
I attributed this to what I call Manic Studying. The highs and lows of studying. Either I would study too much and burn out (studying constantly) or I would not study enough particularly after my burnout.
I also found that I lost track of time. You know the feeling where you study for so long but at the end of semester couldn't tell anybody how many hours you dedicated for the life of you.
The solution I came up with revolves around a method called Time Boxing which I explain in this post. Time Boxing is a simple technique used to split your activities into managable and timely chunks. I may assign 15mins to one task then switch to another task for 25 mins. It involves the use of a timer.
A few things to note is that:
Also remember, when studying block after block to at least put a 5 min break per 25 - 30 mins just to chill! This can really help calm the nerves and the ability to know how much study you have done can really reassure you come test time as to whether you 'deserve' that pass ;)
Reward Yourself With Life's Little Pleasures
As previously mentioned, you can have a 5 min break to do what you want...but why stop there? A block of 5 mins to relax may not be the most motivating incentive to keep on 'keeping on'.
That's why you should really treat yourself!
So you clock up 10 hrs worth of study for the week. We'll call them Frequent Study Points. Maybe your reward is a trip to the movies with a friend. Although, this may be a little dangerous. No, not the trip but rather the incentive. Some experts argue that it has nothing to do with study i.e. the trip to the movies. In that case, I would recommend you plan the reward ahead of time.
One way to strengthen the bond between reward and activity is to have them related. I know its not enough for you to say "My reward will be a High Distinction". That is not guaranteed and it is too distant/long-term. I would suggest something like, after 10 hrs of studying, go out to the library with a college friend to discuss your progress and share notes.
This technique adds a flavour of social interaction (assuming it has weighting for you) all the while being related to the task of your academic pursuit.
Remember, studying without breaks and incentives can not only increase stress but create that vicious cycle where you refuse to study at all. Imagine the stress to catch up when you do come to your senses - only days away from that major exam!
Make Your Study A Memorable Experience
Do people still sugar coat their bitter tablets? Well, like sweetening your crushed pills with honey, there are various ways for you to sweeten the study ordeal.
What I find works is association.
Some speakers advocate the use of grounding yourself while studying. An example of this is wearing the same shirt when studying as you do while taking the final exam. By that same token, association can work short term. You can reap the benefits immediately.
Imagine yourself studying in a pristine, tidy environment with tropical rainforest music playing in the background. This creates pleasant memories and you may even relive those memories and look forward to getting back to your environment.
I love studying in my room now it's tidy. I put on some music that has no vocals only sweet sounds. Air fresheners also create a refreshing environment. In my previous semesters of academic studying; I would dread going into my untidy room. It would create bad experiences for me, bad memories and put a curse on studying. Now I look forward to entering into my organised domain. The comfort is worth it on both mental and physical levels.
Conclusion
As you can see, the very simple tweaks in life can really affect the outcome of the overall picture. And this is not just restricted to studying. I'd like to invite you to share some of your secrets for creating a stress free environment and making your formal years of study relaxing!
Perhaps you can relate to this story. Maybe you are more organised in which case I commend you. But in any situation, exams are very stressful. University is very stressful.
Does stress management really exist for students?
Now I'm no expert, but this was not only a big learning curve for me but a real eye opener too. It had been literally years since I studied in a formal setting and I knew I would have to find future ways to safeguard against stress. Fortunately I found them and would like to share three tips with you today.
Study Frequently Not Constantly
Do you ever find yourself studying so hard at the beginning of the semester only to slow to a halt midway. And then worse still, find yourself struggling to catch up at the end?
I know I did.
I attributed this to what I call Manic Studying. The highs and lows of studying. Either I would study too much and burn out (studying constantly) or I would not study enough particularly after my burnout.
I also found that I lost track of time. You know the feeling where you study for so long but at the end of semester couldn't tell anybody how many hours you dedicated for the life of you.
The solution I came up with revolves around a method called Time Boxing which I explain in this post. Time Boxing is a simple technique used to split your activities into managable and timely chunks. I may assign 15mins to one task then switch to another task for 25 mins. It involves the use of a timer.
A few things to note is that:
- Activities can be broken up into smaller tasks
- Sessions of 25 - 30 mins work best due to concentration
- Breakaway sessions are integral to prevent 'fidgeting'
Also remember, when studying block after block to at least put a 5 min break per 25 - 30 mins just to chill! This can really help calm the nerves and the ability to know how much study you have done can really reassure you come test time as to whether you 'deserve' that pass ;)
Reward Yourself With Life's Little Pleasures
As previously mentioned, you can have a 5 min break to do what you want...but why stop there? A block of 5 mins to relax may not be the most motivating incentive to keep on 'keeping on'.
That's why you should really treat yourself!
So you clock up 10 hrs worth of study for the week. We'll call them Frequent Study Points. Maybe your reward is a trip to the movies with a friend. Although, this may be a little dangerous. No, not the trip but rather the incentive. Some experts argue that it has nothing to do with study i.e. the trip to the movies. In that case, I would recommend you plan the reward ahead of time.
One way to strengthen the bond between reward and activity is to have them related. I know its not enough for you to say "My reward will be a High Distinction". That is not guaranteed and it is too distant/long-term. I would suggest something like, after 10 hrs of studying, go out to the library with a college friend to discuss your progress and share notes.
This technique adds a flavour of social interaction (assuming it has weighting for you) all the while being related to the task of your academic pursuit.
Remember, studying without breaks and incentives can not only increase stress but create that vicious cycle where you refuse to study at all. Imagine the stress to catch up when you do come to your senses - only days away from that major exam!
Make Your Study A Memorable Experience
Do people still sugar coat their bitter tablets? Well, like sweetening your crushed pills with honey, there are various ways for you to sweeten the study ordeal.
What I find works is association.
Some speakers advocate the use of grounding yourself while studying. An example of this is wearing the same shirt when studying as you do while taking the final exam. By that same token, association can work short term. You can reap the benefits immediately.
Imagine yourself studying in a pristine, tidy environment with tropical rainforest music playing in the background. This creates pleasant memories and you may even relive those memories and look forward to getting back to your environment.
I love studying in my room now it's tidy. I put on some music that has no vocals only sweet sounds. Air fresheners also create a refreshing environment. In my previous semesters of academic studying; I would dread going into my untidy room. It would create bad experiences for me, bad memories and put a curse on studying. Now I look forward to entering into my organised domain. The comfort is worth it on both mental and physical levels.
Conclusion
As you can see, the very simple tweaks in life can really affect the outcome of the overall picture. And this is not just restricted to studying. I'd like to invite you to share some of your secrets for creating a stress free environment and making your formal years of study relaxing!
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