The first few months at university can be very stressful adjusting to new subjects, different ways of learning, different lecturers, the amount of work, new buildings, new people, a new city and looking after yourself ... Having to adjust to so many new things at once can add to your stress levels so it’s important that you have strategies that you can use to reduce every day stress. Here are 7 tips that you can follow

1. Exercise regularly

It doesn’t matter what sort of exercise you do, but you need to do it on a regular basis. Exercise will help to keep you fit and healthy, but it will also help you to forget about any concerns you have about your coursework or assignments.

2. Take regular breaks

Don’t make the mistake of studying for hours at a time, without taking a break. Even if you just go for a ten minute walk, or meditate, or chat to a friend, you will find that you will stay focussed.

3. Be organised

If you don’t work with a proper schedule and know when assignments are due in, you will only pile stress on yourself. Although lots of students say they work much better under stress for most people, this just isn’t true. A certain amount of stress in our lives is normal, but it’s silly to inflict additional stress on yourself unnecessarily.

4. Study in the right environment:

Make sure that you study in an environment that is conducive to you staying focussed and able to concentrate. If you’re in your own room, make sure that it’s organised and you’re not wasting time trying to find things. If you’re studying in one of the public places on campus, make sure that you do not get distracted by other students.

5. Use quick relaxation techniques

Whether it be a stress ball that you squeeze, or you practice some deep breathing exercises or you meditate for five minutes – make sure that you have a technique that you know you can use instantly when you feel stressed.

6. Eat and drink properly

Some students have difficulties managing their money at university, but it’s important that you work out a budget that will allow you to eat and drink properly. It’s very difficult to try and study if you’re hungry or dehydrated in which case your stress levels are likely to rise as you find it difficult to concentrate. Make sure that you make the time to eat and drink properly.

7. Ask for help

Some students are afraid to ask any questions about their work, even other students. However, if you’re struggling with some work it’s silly to keep worrying about it, if someone could help you. So if you have a problem don’t hesitate to ask someone.

Summary

These are just seven tips that you can use on a day to day basis to reduce some of the stress you may be experiencing. It’s very important that you are able to practice some quick fixes such as breathing exercise or mediation so you can instantly feel better. You should also make sure that you are not piling stress on yourself. You won’t be able to change the amount of work that you have, but you can control how you feel about it and how you get it done.

If you need some further suggestions visit Study in the UK Today website.