1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: stress management

  • Ways to Relieve Stress During Exam Time

    Ways to Relieve Stress During Exam Time

    Ah, exam time – what a stressful period. It’s never fun for anyone, and everybody looks like they’ve been run through the wringer, looking even more sleep-deprived than usual. This is a well-known and documented problem, with articles and reports surfacing every year just before exam season, particularly targeted at university and college students.  However, this also applies for high school students; maybe more so, since college and University admission is often conditional on your final grades.

    So, what can you do about the stress? There are lots of different approaches, but no real correct method. That’s why I recommend that you find something that works for you specifically, and use it as an occasional diversion from studying.  Even a small break or a change in activity can be a nice reward.

    Crafts vary in type, from woodworking and macramé to making jewellery or gardening; they all use skill sets that will give your brain something different to think about. This works to your advantage as well; you can develop a hobby that you’ve always wanted to learn, leading itself to personal satisfaction- which is always a great stress reliever.

    Knitting or its counterpart, crocheting, is technically two crafts that complement each other. You can make great clothing pieces such as scarves and mittens, alongside the tiny figures of pop media. There are lots of tutorials due to the complexities of some patterns, but this is a great stress reliever that works on different skill sets, lending itself a growing knowledge of patience, skill, and items that you can show off.

    Playing video games can be a great stress reliever. Whatever your game of choice, you can vent steam this way rather than against yourself or others – obviously, with the headset on mute so that no one else’s studying is disturbed. I would advise some caution here, as with ‘live’ games, frayed tempers can result very easily, particularly with enthusiastic players. Board games and personal games are fun as well – it’s one of the reasons why there are so many phone application games – it’s much more satisfying to have completed a level that’s been difficult to beat for a week.

    Colouring books are gaining in popularity for a reason – with several different strategies, for those who want it as stress relief, or those who are looking for something to do.  They’re not just for kids anymore. They help relieve stress because they help focus your attention on anything but school work (or actual work). They help you focus on the simple things: breathing, picking colours, and focusing on a task that helps time go by.  As the time passes, you’ll find yourself becoming calmer.

    Activities on campus are always available, particularly during exam season. Many schools now have dogs or cats visiting campus during exam season.  That’s always a great comfort, particularly if you’re missing your own pet from home.  Sitting with a purring cat has always lowered my own stress levels.

    The main idea is to learn to relax, even if it means taking some time away from work.  When you feel your stress levels sink back to normal, you can re-focus your mind on getting that A.

  • Don’t Distress – De-Stress!

    Don’t Distress – De-Stress!

    Are you feeling the pressure? Whether you’re saving up for college or studying, no doubt stress can take a toll. A little bit of pressure can actually be a good thing; often, it pushes you to do the best you can and you consequently achieve even greater results. But if you constantly feel anxious and panicked about what’s going on around you, you may have a problem managing stress. You’ve probably got a lot on your plate to worry about already—a nervous breakdown is the last thing you need.

    Stress can manifest itself in many forms and, as a result, it has the potential to negatively impact all aspects of your life. Stress can have physical effects, including insomnia, nervous tics and vulnerability to illness (like catching a cold). Unfortunately, these effects make stress even harder to handle, wearing down your stamina as well as your motivation. Even more concerning is the damper stress can put on your psychological well-being: constant pressure to do well  is often detrimental to your self-esteem. If you’re plagued by stress, it may alarm you to notice that it starts to affect your enjoyment of life as a whole.

    The crucial thing is to not let it get that far. Stress is a slippery slope, but there are a couple of things you can do to make sure it doesn’t drag you down with it. Here are some ideas to kick your anxiety to the curb and embrace a positive, healthy lifestyle:

    1. Get organized. Projects can be daunting when you try to take them on all at once. Set up a schedule and section off your massive to-do list into more manageable chunks. A little work each day is much easier to handle than an all-nighter; as difficult as it is, try not to procrastinate as this can only accumulate more anxiety.

    2. Take breaks. It may be difficult for you to stop in media res (especially if you’ve got a deadline coming up), but working endlessly compromises both your efforts and your health. After each hour of work, grab a snack, chat with your family or take a quick stroll outside. You’ll be able to concentrate much more easily once you get back to work.

    3. Be realistic. Sometimes, you just can’t have it all: if the pressure’s really bugging you, reconsider your priorities. Do what’s necessary first and leave the small stuff for later. It’s not possible to do everything absolutely perfectly, so focus on the things that matter the most.

    4. Appreciate yourself. Instead of focusing on every little thing you’re doing wrong, redirect your energy to your achievements. You can set up a rewards system to recognize your hard work—for instance, if you ace that exam, celebrate by having a fun night out with your friends. It’s important to maintain a positive mindset, even when things get tough.