Exam season is in full swing and with each passing week, the workload keeps piling up. Speaking from my personal university experience, managing multiple class assignments alongside extracurricular commitments can significantly elevate my stress levels. Nevertheless, learning how to manage stress can lead to a happier and healthier life. Over the years, I have learned a few strategies that have proven to be effective in reducing stress.
Set goals and prioritize
A large part of achieving specific goals is time management. Prioritizing tasks can help prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed and "drowning" in assignments. One of my approaches consists of breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focusing on completing one thing at a time. This largely involves staying organized. With all the readings and due dates assigned, I stay organized through my Google calendar. By adding all assigned tasks to the calendar, I can effectively see how many weeks and days I have to complete them. Using calendar tools assists in planning the day and prioritizing tasks.
Setting goals to complete class assignments earlier also helps me stay organized. I always remind myself that the faster I complete an assignment, the more free time I will have afterward. By fighting against the risks of procrastination, I like to plan ahead on when to complete an essay or other assignment. This involves planning a project as soon as it is assigned.
For example, when a professor provides an essay assignment, I immediately begin researching the topic and creating a layout. However, when I hit a "roadblock," I find that it is best to email the professor for clarification or seek assistance from the Academic Success Centre. In particular, Writing Services provides helpful editing services to polish any drafts as well as workshops that help improve overall writing skills.
Embrace relaxation habits
It is crucial to allocate time for both work and relaxation, ensuring a healthy balance.
Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation is just as 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.
Physical activity serves as an effective approach to relieving stress. Although I am partial to cardio, there are a vast number of activities that would not only help alleviate stress but improve one's overall health. The U of A's Fitness Programs and Services provides an array of drop-in group fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, boot camps and much more. The drop-in classes are a convenient way to casually attend during weeks when my schedule is less busy.
Take study breaks
Relaxation habits may consist of taking study breaks. Whether it is a fifteen or ten-minute break, allocating breaks can become beneficial in the long run. Not only does it prevent me from over-studying, but also allows my brain to take 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 has firmly ingrained itself in my memory. It can be challenging to take a break and return to my studies, but through prioritizing and self-motivation, it can become more manageable.
Sleep
During exams and midterms, it might be difficult to get a good night's rest. However, getting more rest can have a substantial impact on reducing cortisol levels and improving the body's overall function. Sleep is not optional – it is essential in assisting brain activity and maintaining a long-term healthy body. At times it can be challenging to fall asleep as such, the use of white noise, limiting screen time before bed or avoiding naps that interfere with one's sleep schedule, can assist in readjusting 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 additional energy required to navigate through stressful situations. During 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 enjoyment and improves digestion.
Including the proper amounts of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, etc. products are essential as they contain the proper amount of vitamins and minerals that last throughout the day. However, this is not always the easiest task as people with busy schedules do not have time to have proper meals.
Personally, I am too busy during the week to make food and it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet. As such, I prepare meals ahead of time. Whether that be making foods such as pasta, salads or sandwiches, I prepare food that can easily be packaged and stored in my bag when I am on the go.
Talk to someone
Sometimes when the stress of exam season becomes too stressful, something that might ease the anxiety is talking through one's worries. Whether a family member or close friend, someone you feel comfortable and trust to express your concerns can relieve some of one's stress. By communicating personal doubts, an outside view can help provide a new perspective on the situation.
Additionally, the U of A offers mental health supports for students, which provides multiple beneficial services. This includes but is not limited to: wellness support groups, counselling services or peer support groups. Talking to someone can help relieve stress and they can advise by breaking a problem into smaller parts to make one feel less overwhelmed.
Stress is a part of everyday life, but it doesn't have to impact your everyday activities. By taking the proper techniques and making some self-care a priority, you can not only improve your overall well-being but also manage your class assignments more effectively. Not only is it important to succeed in your classes but it is also equally important to excel in your stress management.
