Stress Management Tips for Students

“More smiling, less worrying
More blessed, less stressed”.

The feeling of stress and anxiety have become a part of a student’s life. Some level of stress can actually be beneficial for the students as it will motivate them to work harder to attain their goals. However, when stress and anxiety exist for an extended period of time, they can be dangerous for his/her mental and physical health. In the given article we shall focus on the various ways by which we can handle and cope up with stress prevailing in the younger lot.

What is stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to a challenge. The right kind of stress can sharpen the mind and reflexes. It helps the body to perform better. Stress produces a physiological reaction in our body. Some hormones are released that can lead to: 

• a slower digestion 
• shaking
• accelerated breathing
• tunnel vision

The process is known as “FIGHT” or “FLIGHT” response. That is just as it sounds, our bodies are posed to either run away from the stress or stick around and fight against it.

What causes stress in students?

Students may find themselves rather stressed, due to innumerable reasons. When a student undergoes chronic stress, his ability to learn, memorize and post good academic performance can interfere. Stress in students can have serious adverse consequences, thus it is a need of the hour to address the issue. Students are exposed to stress due to the following reasons:

• high academic demands
• tight schedules
• managing numerous curricular and extracurricular activities.
• personal affairs
• peer pressure
• lack of time management

Effects of stress on students:

They might experience:

• frequent headaches
• sleep disorders
• exhaustion
• unwillingness to communicate
• desire for solitude
• lack of concentration

Ways to reduce stress

1. Get enough rest and sleep: Sleep is the best medicine to improve one’s productivity. It helps us to start afresh and rejuvenate the body and mind. Enough sleep allows the brain and body of a student to relax and recharge. It helps to keep their immune system strong. Lack of sleep can limit a student’s ability to learn and concentrate. 
2. Take a balanced and healthy diet: It is vital to eat right. Eating more fresh fruits is essential for students. Vitamin C is an immunity booster. Students should avoid junk food and eat more fresh foods.
3. Exercise: It is the best way to relax our mind and muscles. Remember, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.
4. Meditation: A ten-minute meditation can really help to reduce stress levels, decrease anxiety and improve health. A quick way to calm down is to practice breathing exercises.
5. Listening to music: Music has an embalming effect on the soul and mind. Students can harness the advantages of music by playing classical music while studying. Music has the power to stimulate the mind.
6. Proper time management-A must succeed: A student needs to plan and then needs adequate time to implement that plan to succeed or reach his goal. A student must try to set realistic goals and then work hard to fetch good marks. Here are tips on how to make a study planner.
7. Spend time with family and friends: It is always recommended to spend quality time with your loved ones. That provides strength to fight all odds. Social support from family and friends can help the student get through stressful times.
8. Learn to say NO: Being selective about what you take on and saying no to things that will unnecessarily add to your load. At times students under peer pressure agree to things that only add to their misery.

Stress management is vital to feel healthy and happy. We cannot avoid stress and anxiety in this world of cutthroat competition but can definitely learn to handle it. We should strive to work on our Emotional quotient to battle the toughest scenarios in life.

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About the Author

Kirti is an enthusiastic education professional who loves to devote her creative fluid to constructive causes. She completed her bachelor’s degree in economics from the prestigious Hansraj College, DU and has had a keen interest in teaching different subjects since her college days. She strives to perfect the content she delivers.

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