Our Top Tips to Stay Stress-Free When Studying
Whilst education is something that we’re a big fan of here at Brooks and Kirk, we do understand how stressful it can be. No matter what age you are, what you’re studying, or even where you’re studying, the stress of it can catch up with all of us. So, we thought we’d let you in on our top tips for staying as stress-free as possible as a student!
Create a schedule – and stick to it!
Nothing creates more stress for a student than trying to meet a deadline when you’ve left everything to the last minute. When you procrastinate, you make it easier for the work to pile up – and that’s when it gets on top of you.
Create a work schedule that considers how much needs to be done, the deadlines you need to meet, and how long each task will take. Set aside time to get tasks done, and don’t be tempted to ignore the schedule you’ve made. Keeping on top of your workload really does make studying easier.
You can keep things old-school by using a paper calendar or diary, or get a bit techy with an app such as TickTick to help you organise and keep on task.
Make time for downtime
While you’re scheduling, make sure to put in time for breaks and socialising. If you’re sticking to a timetable, there should be time left over to do what you enjoy. This is an important part of self-care that helps prevent it from feeling like your whole world has turned into one giant classroom.
If you find it hard to make sure you take breaks, try using an app like Tomato Timers, which reminds you when to take a breather – and when to start again!
Create the perfect study space
When it comes to getting down to studying, environment matters. Trying to absorb a textbook while in the family sitting room with two bickering adults, a hungry cat, and a talkshow on the TV is a recipe for disaster.
Create a space for studying that’s low-key, calm, quiet and tidy. If you’ve got a home office or private bedroom space, perfect. Alternatively, make use of the office space at work, at school or college, or even the peace of a local library.
By having the peace and quiet to study, you’re more able to get stuck in and get your work done – distractions only cause frustration.
Play the right music
Silence is great for some, but for others, the stress of study means our head becomes a mess. Playing some calm music can really help create the right vibe for productivity. If you get distracted by the lyrics, consider playing some classical or instrumental music. Even the soundtracks to video games have been proven to help some people get in the zone!
Go outside
Sitting too long at a desk not only makes your headache but can make your body suffer too. Stale air and the sight of the same pages you’ve been staring at for hours can make you stir crazy.
Going outside can help give your body a break from sitting at a computer and give you the chance to unwind. When you start feeling too stressed, consider taking a walk in the fresh air to bring you back to a calmer state of mind.
Yes – it’s OK to sleep!
The study bug can sometimes take over. But working long hours into the night generally does more harm than good. Prioritising sleep is a must for successful stress-free studying. You’ll be in a better mood, have a clearer mind, and find you’re able to remember more of what you were cramming the night before.
Be honest with your tutors
If you’re stuck on part of your study, it’s OK to reach out. Perhaps you need to go over something once more or want a second pair of eyes to reassure you you’re on the right track. Your tutors or assessors can’t do the work for you, but it is their job to make sure you understand the material. Ask for help when you need it rather than suffering in silence. Having confidence in your understanding helps dial down the stressometer.
Study with us!
Whilst education is something that we’re a big fan of here at Brooks and Kirk, we do understand how stressful it can be. That’s why we make sure our team is there to support our learners every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about becoming a qualified Assessor or IQA with our supportive team.