Exam season is in full swing and with each passing week, the workload continues to pile up. Speaking from my personal college experience, managing multiple course assignments alongside extracurricular commitments can significantly increase my stress levels. However, learning to manage stress can lead to a happier, healthier life. Over the years, I have learned a few strategies that have proven effective in reducing stress.
Set goals and prioritize
A big part of achieving specific goals is time management. Prioritizing tasks can help avoid feelings of being overwhelmed and “drowning” in tasks. One of my approaches is to break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focus on accomplishing one thing at a time. A lot of this involves staying organized. With all readings and due dates assigned, I stay organized with my Google calendar. By adding all assigned tasks to the calendar, I can effectively see how many weeks and days I have left to complete them. Using calendar tools helps plan the day and prioritize tasks.
Setting goals to complete class assignments early also helps me stay organized. I always remind myself that the quicker I complete an assignment, the more free time I will have afterward. In combating the risks of procrastination, I like to plan in advance when I will complete an essay or other assignment. This involves planning a project as soon as it is assigned.
For example, when a professor gives me an essay assignment, I immediately start researching the topic and creating a layout. However, when I encounter an “obstacle”, I find it best to email the professor for clarification or ask the Academic Success Center. In particular, Writing Services provides helpful editing services for polishing drafts, as well as workshops that help improve overall writing skills.
Adopt relaxation habits
It is crucial to allocate time for work and relaxation to ensure a healthy balance.
Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation is equally important. Whether it’s reading for pleasure, spending time with friends, gardening, exercising, or listening to music, these activities can provide a much-needed escape from stress and help you recharge your batteries.
Physical activity is an effective approach to relieving stress. Although I have a weakness for cardio, there are a large number of activities that would not only help reduce stress, but also improve overall health. University of Alberta Fitness Programs and Services offers a range of drop-in group fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, boot camps and more. Drop-in classes are a convenient way to casually attend during weeks when my schedule is less busy.
Take breaks to study
Relaxation habits can include taking study breaks. Whether it’s a fifteen or ten minute break, allocating breaks can prove beneficial in the long run. Not only does it stop me from studying too much, but it also gives my brain a momentary break. I have found it beneficial to incorporate short breaks of 5-15 minutes while studying and memorizing information for my exams. These intervals allow me to revisit the material and test what is firmly anchored in my memory. It can be difficult to take a break and return to studying, but through prioritization and self-motivation, it can become more manageable.
Sleep
During exams and midterms, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. However, getting more rest can have a substantial impact on reducing cortisol levels and improving overall body function. Sleep is not optional: it is essential to promote brain activity and maintain a healthy body in the long term. It can sometimes be difficult to fall asleep, so using white noise, limiting screen time before bed, or avoiding naps that interfere with one’s sleep schedule can help readjust the circadian rhythm .
Maintain healthy eating habits
Maintaining a healthy diet can minimize stress. A balanced diet can not only support a healthy immune system, but also provide the extra energy needed to get through stressful situations. In times of stress, it is important to practice mindful eating. When making thoughtful food choices, paying attention to the meal and not rushing to eat increases pleasure and improves digestion.
It is essential to include appropriate amounts of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, etc. as they contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals that last throughout the day. However, this is not always the easiest task, as people with busy schedules don’t have time to have proper meals.
Personally, I’m too busy during the week to prepare food and it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet. This is why I prepare meals in advance. Whether it’s preparing foods like pasta, salads, or sandwiches, I prepare foods that can easily be packaged and stored in my bag when I’m on the go.
Talk to someone
Sometimes when the stress of exam season becomes too stressful, something that might ease the anxiety is talking about your worries. Whether it’s a family member or a close friend, someone you feel comfortable and trust to express your concerns can relieve some of the stress. By communicating personal doubts, an outside perspective can help provide a new perspective on the situation.
Additionally, the University of Alberta offers mental health supports for students, which provides multiple beneficial services. This includes, but is not limited to: wellness support groups, counseling services or peer support groups. Talking to someone can help relieve stress and they can give advice by breaking a problem into smaller parts to make you feel less overwhelmed.
Stress is a part of everyday life, but it doesn’t have to impact your daily activities. By adopting the proper techniques and making some self-care a priority, you can not only improve your overall well-being but also manage your classroom assignments more effectively. Not only is it important to succeed in your classes, but it is also equally important to excel in stress management.
