By Nicolas Mezzaucella
The school year can be a challenging time for students. Balancing assignments, deadlines, out-of-school activities, and other personal responsibilities can be challenging, but there are many tips and tricks that can be helpful when looking for ways to reduce stress. By implementing some of these strategies, balancing your workload and avoiding burnout may be easier than ever.
Tip #1: Create a Schedule
Teachers are more than likely to add a class schedule to the syllabus at the start of the semester. Making a schedule early in the semester may help you stay more organized and manage your time better. Keeping your assignments and deadlines in one place makes it easier to manage time and stay on track with your classes.
Tip #2: Start Assignments Early
By getting ahead of your schedule, you will avoid the stressful nights trying to cram in assignments right before they are due. Starting assignments early also allows students more time to seek help from tutors or teachers and gives time to make any necessary corrections to ensure their grades are as good as can be.
Tip #3: Simplify Assignments
Breaking down your assignments into smaller sections can make even the biggest assignments seem easy. By focusing on smaller parts of an assignment, the scale of the assignment will seem smaller, making it easier to finish. Creating outlines is a helpful way of simplifying assignments, as you can organize your ideas, manage your time, and reduce the stress of trying to finish an assignment at the last minute.
Tip #4: Stay Active Outside the Classroom
Finding time for your hobbies outside the classroom and academics is important for stress relief and morale. Athletic activities like playing a sport, going to the gym, or taking a walk can help clear your mind and improve energy levels. Other activities — such as hanging out with friends, watching a movie, playing a game, or anything else you may enjoy — are also helpful ways of relieving stress and balancing your academic and social lives.
Tip #5: Use Mindfulness Techniques
Practicing mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and improve focus. Techniques such as journaling, breathing exercises, and meditation have all been proven to lower stress, which will help students stay on top of their coursework and better manage any other personal responsibilities.
Tip #6: Take a Break
Sometimes all you need is a break. Constantly working can increase stress and make people less productive. Taking a break and doing something you enjoy can be a good way to unwind and alleviate stress, which will, in turn, increase your product and overall morale.
Tip #7: Utilize Your Support Systems
If there’s ever a moment where you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, talk to someone. Talking to a family member, a friend, or a professional can be a good way to release some of the stress and could offer useful advice and perspective. UTampa has a 24/7 student support line where students can talk about anything from stress, depression, adjusting to college, or any other issues.
While the school year can certainly bring stress and anxiety to students, it doesn’t have to be a completely overwhelming time period. By practicing any of these tips, students can help reduce their stress levels and be better prepared to tackle their classes and succeed in and out of the classroom. When the school year seems too overwhelming and you may not know how to move forward, please reach out to someone, whether it’s family, a friend, or the support staff at UTampa.