Are you studying for the MCAT, the LSAT, or the GRE (or another standardized test)? Are you finding yourself feeling very stressed out? You’re not alone! A lot of students are feeling the same way. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Some people even experience chronic stress. The causes may vary from test prep, workload, family issues, school-related issues, home-related issues, etc. If left untreated, stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical illnesses.

Stress, which has been described as the combination of anxiety and frustration, is a common experience in everyday life. This is particularly true while studying. Below, we will explore some of these ways to decrease stress.

Ways to Decrease Stress from Studying

     1. Plan

Planning out your week ahead of time will help keep you from getting too overwhelmed with everything going on. You can plan if you know what’s coming up each day and week, so things don’t sneak up on you. Writing out what needs to be done can also help keep you motivated because it’s physically seeing what needs to be done and how much time it takes to complete each task.

     2. Prioritize

Make sure to prioritize your assignments for each class. Some professors assign so much work that you will never be able to do everything assigned. It’s also essential to make sure you’re getting the most critical assignments done first. For example, if you have two papers and one test this week, make sure you’re working on both papers before studying since it’s easier to reschedule the test than ask for an extension on your paper.

     3. Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques are easy and effective ways to reduce stress from studying. For instance, you might try taking deep breaths or listening to music before an exam. Other students find that stretching and light exercise help them relax before taking an important test.

     4. Ask for help

Some students are afraid to ask for help because they think it makes them seem weak. On the contrary, asking for help is a sign of strength. When you’re stressed out from studying, talk to someone who can provide support and motivation. This could be anyone from a professor or classmate to a family member or friend.

     5. Exercise!

Doing something physical like running or playing sports can help burn off all the stress in your body. It also releases endorphins which make us feel good! So if you’re feeling stressed after studying, go ahead and get some exercise!

Typical Symptoms of Stress

The typical symptoms of stress are:

     ● Physical Symptoms of Stress

Stress can affect your body in several ways. It would be worthwhile discussing the physical symptoms of stress, as these are the ones that are most likely to impact your ability to study. The more common physical symptoms of stress are:

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache, frequent insomnia or decreased productivity at work. But stress may be the cause.

Stress can affect your life, including your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. The impact of stress can lead to headaches, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, upset stomach, or sleep problems.

     ● Long-term effects of stress

Over time, continued strain on your body from stress may contribute to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses. In addition, stress can make chronic health problems worse. For example:

1. Stress can trigger asthma attacks and amplify existing symptoms.
2. Stress hormones affect how your body uses insulin and blood sugar levels, raising blood sugar levels and decreasing insulin sensitivity over time.
3. Stress can trigger tension headaches and migraines in some people.
4. Heart disease. Stress can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, leading to longer-term increases in blood pressure over time.

How to Manage Stress Throughout Studies

One of the biggest problems students face today is stress. Even though this problem has been around for a long time, it is still a huge deal and is a cause of many illnesses, including mental ones. It’s essential to know how to manage your stress and take care of yourself in these situations because it can be difficult to focus or have a clear mind when you are stressed out. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips on managing your stress throughout your studies.

1. One of the most effective methods is to create a list of all things related to what you need done and set aside time each day just for those tasks, so they don’t pile up over time.
2. Another way would be having someone who can help with some aspects or even all aspects, so they talk.
3. You should also try not to overwork yourself by putting too much on your plate at once because this will only add more stress than necessary, which leads us to our next point: taking breaks!
4. Taking breaks throughout the day helps clear your mind for when it’s time to work on whatever needs doing without feeling overwhelmed as soon as you start thinking about anything.
5. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It will help you burn off adrenaline, the hormone that kicks in during stressful situations. Exercise also releases endorphins, improving your mood and making you feel better all over.
6. Spending time with friends and family can go a long way toward relieving stress. Friends can give you support, company, and a chance to express yourself. Even spending time with people you like can significantly improve your mood and outlook on life.

How Can you Schedule Tasks to Reduce Stress from Studying

     ● Eliminate the unnecessary

First things first: Don’t add to your stress by taking on too much. This can be hard if, like many students, you’re used to overcommitting. When you look at a list of your assignments and activities, think critically about what is essential and what is not. You don’t need to try to do everything, and it will only lead to added stress and anxiety.

     ● Create a schedule

Whether it’s a month-long plan or a daily one, having a schedule can help you feel less stressed about everything. Set aside time in your day to work on each assignment or project. Don’t forget to include time for breaks and fun, too!

     ● Keep track of deadlines

If you know there’s an important deadline coming up but are unsure of exactly when it is, you will feel stressed out until you’ve found the information. Write down deadlines in a planner or calendar where you’ll be able to see them often. Once you have everything written down, check back periodically to ensure nothing has changed or slipped through the cracks.

     ● Make a list of things you want to accomplish each day

This will help you prioritize what needs to be done first and leave the less important stuff later. You’ll also feel better knowing exactly where your time went when you’re done with everything on your list.

     ● Take breaks throughout the day

Studies show that taking short breaks helps your brain recharge, which will make you more productive when you return from them. Just make sure they aren’t too long, or they won’t do any good!

Ways to Reduce Stress from Studying

There are many ways to reduce stress from studying.

1. One way is to stay on a schedule. You should have a designated time you study every day. The good idea is to study in the morning because you will get it out of the way and not worry about it for the rest of the day.
2. Another good way to reduce stress from studying is to use spaced repetition, which means that you study and then take a break, but then go back and review the material you just learned.
3. Take a break – Breaks are essential to take as they help you recharge and give your brain time to process everything you just learned.
4. Get enough sleep – It is also essential to get enough sleep as it helps your body recharge and lets your brain function at its best.
5. Don’t neglect healthy habits – Being healthy is essential as it can keep you in a good mood, making studying more accessible and less stressful.
6. Use all available resources – There may be tutors or other helpful resources available at your campus library or student center, so don’t be afraid to use them!
7. Start early – Starting early helps ensure that you have plenty of time to study instead of cramming everything in at the last minute and stressing yourself out even more than necessary.
8. Don’t overdo it – Studying too much can be harmful because you could get burnt out on studying and then not feel like looking later.

Bottom Line

Stress can and should be managed. There are many ways to decrease stress from studying. The methods discussed above can help decrease stress levels when studying for an exam. Managing your time, setting agendas, keeping a planner, and eliminating distractions are the most important and influential ways you can help yourself. Do not hesitate; try these now! You will feel better tomorrow. Stay positive, happy studying!