Tips For Studying When You're Stressed | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Tips For Studying When You're Stressed

4
Tips For Studying When You're Stressed
Pixabay

“Life goes on.” For college students, this quote is often a lifeline that many cling to when things are getting rough. You know that eventually this situation will be over with, and in the past. However, the world rarely seems to give you a break when you’re at your peak level of stress. As adults, we are expected to continue on with life, as if our problems are not affecting our daily living. As a result, I’ve decided to compile a little list of ways to help college students find a way to push through the stress of studying to get through the stress of test-taking.

Breathe.

The first thing you should do when you’re feeling stressed is to take a few minutes to relax your mind. Move to a quiet place and focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath in, hold it for three seconds, and exhale. Repeat this until you begin to calm down. Research shows that consciously controlling your breathing is quick way to reduce stress on the body.

Set goals.

When you’re relaxed and ready to return to studying, try and set a goal for yourself. Many people find it helpful to set goals while they study, and they can be as simple as, I will learn this word and the definition within the next five minutes. But, even if it’s a simple goal, it still feels rewarding to accomplish it. So, set multiple goals to help push yourself through! Don't set goals for yourself that seem beyond reach, try sticking to small, manageable goals that will help build your confidence as you complete them. An example of this would be the previously mentioned goal instead of saying that you will study for the next three hours. Knowing you're goal time is three hours away can be daunting, and take away from what you are trying to accomplish at the moment.

Reward yourself.

Reward systems have long been shown to be effective in psychological research. After you reach the goal you set while studying, you should reward yourself. Rewards can come in many forms, such as listening to a song you enjoy, allowing time for social media, or even spending time with friends. Although food is not always the healthiest option, you could reward yourself by waiting to eat a snack until you’ve reached your studying goal.

Know your limits.

It is important to know your limits as an individual. Research has shown that studying sessions should only last about 20-30 minutes before one should take a short break. This technique is often referred to as thePomodoro Technique. Taking a 5 to 10 minute break after studying allows for the brain to properly absorb the information it was just learning. This break can also give you a quick moment to relax before you begin again.

Get some sleep!

This one is a no-brainer. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is between seven and eight hours of sleep a night. However, research has also shown that taking naps throughout the day can help to refresh or “restart” your brain. So, if you’re feeling like you absolutely cannot stay focused anymore, perhaps it is time to try a 30-minute cat nap to reset your body!

Do you have any other tips or suggestions for me? Leave me a message!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15693
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6753
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4982
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4373
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments