It’s no secret that students are under a lot of pressure. Between managing homework, studying for tests, college preparation, and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to wind down.
Some people think that overwhelming stress is a necessary aspect of being productive. But too much stress can actually hinder your ability to get things done.
With that in mind, here are five ways students can reduce their stress.
- Get Some Exercise
Have you ever felt really good after a jogging session, an hour at the gym, or a game of soccer? That’s because exercise reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, while also boosting “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins.
When I was in college, my student-athlete friends would often tell me that they were happiest during the playing season, even though it was a much more chaotic time than the off-season. Not only were they happier, their grades actually went up!
The reason they were so happy is obvious: they were exercising constantly. And despite having less time for homework and studying, the chemical effects of exercise helped motivate them to work hard during the time they did have.
- Read a Book
No, I’m not talking about the books your teacher assigned for class. For stress reduction, you should read a book that you picked out yourself. It should be a book that brings you joy.
A study conducted at the University of Sussex found that leisure reading can reduce your overall stress levels by as much as 68 percent. Not only that—you only need to read for six minutes for the stress reduction effects to kick in!
Reading was found to be more effective for reducing stress than listening to music, playing video games, or taking a walk.
- Hang Out With your Friends
There’s a ton of evidence that being social is great for your overall mental health. And it’s not hard to see why.
It’s important to hang out with people who truly “get” you. I’m talking about peers you share common experiences with, and who can relate to the things you deal with in life. Quality time with friends can make you feel less alone in the world.
Side note: Hanging out with “frenemies” probably won’t be effective at reducing stress! You should spend time with people who care about you, not people who bring you down.
- Meditate
I know some of you are rolling your eyes right now. Everyone talks about meditating, and everyone knows it helps reduce stress. But it doesn’t seem like many people actually do it.
But with 21st-century technology, sticking to a meditation habit is easier than ever. All you have to do is download one of the many meditation smartphone apps, turn it on for around 10 minutes a day, and follow the guided meditation.
You’ll be surprised by how much they can help.
- Get a Tutor
If you’re struggling in school, that’s not something you have to learn to accept. There’s no shame in seeking a bit of extra help if you’re struggling with your workload.
A tutor can reduce your academic stress by making school easier and more manageable. When you feel that you nailed Friday’s test, or that you turned in a stellar essay, you’re going to feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders.
Here at MATHetc, we offer world-class tutoring in a wide variety of subjects. So whatever you need help with, we have someone who can bring out your highest potential.
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