Stress busting tips
These are some top tips for dealing with stress:
1. Get plenty of sleep
Try to keep your sleep routine as regular as possible. Everyone’s sleep pattern is different, the minimum is approximately 6 hours per night.
2. Take a break
This is really important, you should give yourself plenty of short breaks as you revise, this keeps you fresher for longer, so you will learn more. The average time is 10-15 minutes break per hour. Make sure you get up, walk around, get a refreshment and generally get a change of environment.
3. Time for yourself
Try to leave enough time in your revision for some fun. You will need to put your books down and do something you enjoy for a while if you want to stay in a good mood. All work and no play…!
4. Be realistic
Don't try to do too much work each day. If you overdo it you won't take in the facts you're revising. Cramming isn’t the answer. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail!
5. Eat properly
Make sure your diet includes plenty of fruit and veg. Drink juice or water, avoid too much tea or coffee and alcohol – the answers won’t be at the bottom of the pint!
6. Get some exercise
It's a fantastic stress buster. Go running, skateboarding, play a sport, or just take a walk around the block. You will feel more relaxed. If you're not sleeping very well exercise can make a real difference.
7. Be positive
Don't beat yourself up about things, instead be nice to yourself. Make a quick list of five things you've done that you are proud of. This will put you in a good mood and you will learn more. Imagine yourself turning up for the exam feeling confident and relaxed - try to picture it in as much detail as possible. Rather like rehearsing for a part in a play, this can replace negative, anxious thoughts with more positive ones.
8. Chill out
If you are starting to lose it, and feel that the studying is getting on top of you - take a bit of time to:
- Breathe deeply.
- Tell yourself how well you are doing.
- Remind yourself that everything is going to turn out alright.
- Stand up straight and smile, you will feel a bit better straight away.
REMEMBER THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE TO HELP YOU. IF YOU NEED TO TALK WE ARE HERE TO LISTEN.
CONTACT YOUR WELFARE AND SUPPORT COORDINATOR (MICHAELA welfare@qmu.ac.uk ), SEE STUDENT SERVICES OR YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR - WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
IT AIN’T WHAT YOU DO, IT’S THE WAY THAT YOU DO IT…AND THAT’S WHAT GETS RESULTS!!
