Ask A Pro Live: Study Stress - September 2019
Whether you’re in your last year of school, trying to improve your grades or navigating life at University or TAFE - I think we can all agree that at times studying is stressful. You have to manage your time, understand the content, complete assignments and make deadlines. All whilst juggling family, friends and everything in between.
It’s enough to make your head implode!
In the lead up to this discussion we're also creating Study Stress profiles. If you'd like to join in you'll find the thread here. We also had a special discussion about this topic a couple of weeks ago which you can read back on and contribute to here.
Join us on Thursday the 26th of September from 7-9pm AEST to talk all things Study Stress!
So if there's anything you've ever wanted to know about how to manage study stress now is the time to ask! Watch this space, as soon we will be introducing our wonderful guests who will join us on the forums to talk all things managing study stress. I know many of you will have questions for our guests - please send them all through via the google form below.
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Loving the suggestions @Roxy879!
Breaking things down into smaller parts is a great way to manage study stress and chip away! Sometimes all the different deadlines and assessment due dates can start to make study feel like it is piling up into a mountain, I know when that starts to happen for me I can find it hard to know where to start! Scheduling is a great way to set small achievable goals.
Would you be interested in sharing how you schedule your study load and your to-do-lists? Are you something who likes to write things down and pre-plan? Do you use technology? I'd love to learn what works for you 
That's a great question @Jess1-RO I'm a frantic planner! I write things down in my diary, I write things down in my notes on my phone! I write everything down on everything and anything! But mostly I rely on my internal calendar! I found that keeping dates and planning in my head the best method for myself.
Some may agree, that this is a great method. Some may not, it all comes down to what works best for you!
Usually, I start planning and breaking down my study plan early on in each term. When I am given my study guide, the first thing I do is compare assessment due dates to each other and make a rough to-do-list in my mind.
I try to analysis which assessment is more difficult or what assessments need more time than others (this can be the complex of the question, the word count, etc...)
But when I get to the assessment I try to spread it out to a week or two, I like having large gaps between the due date so I can re-read and edit it as much as I want without worry about the due date.
But even I don't follow this step. I'm human after all! And sometimes, if not regularly do I leave assessments to the last moment! It's okay if you do! You don't have to be the perfect student, just keep doing your best! You don't need to strive to be perfect for anyone but yourself!
I really love that last post @Roxy879! Even with the best plans, sometimes life happens and it can be really important to be flexible with ourselves and a little bit forgiving when we sway from our schedules and plans 
It sounds like doing that pre-planning early in the semester/term really helps!
I just have to repost this quote, because it is just spot on!:
@Roxy879 wrote:
But even I don't follow this step. I'm human after all! And sometimes, if not regularly do I leave assessments to the last moment! It's okay if you do! You don't have to be the perfect student, just keep doing your best! You don't need to strive to be perfect for anyone but yourself!
@Roxy879 totally relate there!
I know myself, and I never check my diary lol. So i write it wherever i might remember it 
I've been having a lot of success writing on stickies and putting them on the cupboard door or light switch, with the downside that sometimes they all fade into the background or there's too many of them! I've been tring to set reminders in my phone too.
@Jess1-RO to break down tasks i like to divide e.g. essays into 'thinking time' 'writing time' and 'editing time'
For me researching and planning is the most stressful so I try get that out of the way, so that later I can calmly write everything up and then check again at a later date. I know once I get that initial research/planning out of the way, my stress levels drop wayyy down!
like @ecla34 researching was usually the most stressful thing for bigger assignments
I've also found apps and programs which let you take screenshots or save articles for offline reading really helpful when an assignment requires research.
@WheresMySquishy @scared01 @ecla34 I actually have One drive, Google doc, and One note on my phone so when I go to bed I just do work in bed or re-read what I have written.
One note it great for your study notes, I just lay in bed and let my study notes be my bedtime story!
Such a great discussion- what really stands out for me is that every person has different approaches, but that there are some overlapping themes in how we break down and manage time when studying
Next question coming your way @Roxy879!
What strategies are the most helpful for you when dealing with an overload of stress?
These are fantastic responses! I'm really enjoying the lovely and fantastic responses!
What strategies are the most helpful when dealing with an overload of stress?
A) Now, that is a unique question on its own. I found what works best for me is indulging in activities and hobbies that you enjoy the most. I, myself, usually choose activities that I know will take my mind off the pressure/stress and allow me to concentrate on the task at hand. So when I do decide to return back to studying, I almost have a clear and fresh mind to continue with.
Even having a small meal, watching those funny/cute cat videos on YouTube, or having a cheeky watch of an episode of Stranger Things on Netflix is great! And never underestimate the power of a cat-nap! Naps are fantastic and I regret all those times as a child where I refuse to have my naps because, boy, do I need them now!
A simple technique to relieve stress can involve in talking to someone you trust and are comfortable speaking with, ReachOut forums are great too!!!! Prep talking to yourself and encouraging yourself is another way of managing stress. Find balance in your work, social/ family life, and downtime this will help you avoid burnout.
Another big thing about stress is that you may feel propelled to control stress, I know I did. There are many things in our life that are out of our control. Instead of stressing over them, choose the things that you can control, such as your reaction to the problem.
Get your body moving! Get up and have a dance! Have a concert in your bedroom or living room! Walking around the house or walking your dog, can positively improve mood. Take time out of your day for yourself, having a break will not hurt your studying schedule. In fact, it will help you, when you continue to study.
You are so right in saying that there are times your mind just needs a break to do things that are enjoyable and help give that balance @Roxy879!
Balance, balance, balance... essential ingredient for managing all stressors and making sure that your wellbeing is well rounded!
I love the diversity of strategies here @WheresMySquishy @ecla34 @Roxy879!
For me, I find scheduling a regular exercise break is really helpful- the same exercise breaks at the same time each week makes me accountable to myself! I also love to sing (not all that great but very loud) which really helps me feel better when I am stressed, and chill out with a movie or a bath! Anything that regrounds me and brings my mind to some calm
Here come the next two questions!
@Roxy879, I would love to hear your thoughts on these two; Do you think is there an optimal amount/duration towards studying? and Is it possible to have a bit of burn out after being loaded with work and other responsibilities?
Q) Do you think is there an optimal amount/duration towards studying?
A)
What is the optimal amount of studying? I believe the answer to this question is different for everyone. It’s not the matter of studying for a long period of time, it's also how effectively you study and the methods you use.
If you study with an ineffective method, you may find yourself studying for a long period of time without any progress being made. A good study session, if not most, last for an hour. But even with an hour of studying, having a break in the middle is important. But an hour isn’t enough time to get through a workload. And so, you’ll need to schedule more than one study session.
Q)and Is it possible to have a bit of burn out after being loaded with work and other responsibilities?
A
The simple answer to this is, yes! You can get burned out from heavy amounts of work and other responsibilities. Burnout is a terrible thing to experience, and it can be quite daunting and scary the first time you may experience it.
The sad reality of burnout is that it doesn’t happen overnight - and it's difficult to fight when you are in the middle of it. It’s especially hard to battle when you are in the middle of a workload which has a due date.
@Jess1-RO @Roxy879 @ecla34 I agree that studying is something that varies for each person! Some people need to study for longer or shorter periods than other people.
A little bit of stress is good, but burnout can really take a toll and might lead to consequences, such as poor decision making. It's hard to juggle study with other responsibilities, such as work and caring for family members.
While responses are coming through from the last two questions, I am going to pose another question for you @Roxy879: How can someone manage the stress of studying for future assessments when they failed previous ones? What advice would you have for someone who is concerned about failure?
Also throwing this question to the community too- what advice do you have for someone who might be afraid of failing, and how can they work to overcome the stress this can cause?
@Jess1-RO Another great question!
Q) How can someone manage the stress of studying for future assessments when they failed previous ones? What advice would you have for someone who is concerned about failure?
A)
That’s a difficult question because even I still struggle with this. The first thing I was taught when I failed previous assessments is self-reflection. Reflecting on yourself may involve questioning yourself, asking ‘what went wrong?’ or ‘why did I fail?’. Make a list, so you can divide this list into ‘wrong choices’ and ‘right choices’. Use this list to improve yourself for future assessments. It’s okay to be sad about failing assessments. When I was in Highschool I did drama for the majority of my high school career, being on stage in front of a crowd is stressful. And I found when I was preparing for future assessments or even before I did any exams, the breathing techniques I was taught in drama helped me so much. Being able to psych yourself up and being able to avoid procrastinating will help you manage the stress of failing future assessments.
Advice I would give is that it's okay to be scared, but it's what you do with that fear that matters. You can either let it consume you or you can swallow the fear itself. Failing and not achieving a mark you want is okay! I know this first hand, I failed the HSC, and I'm not saying this to be modest. I was depressed when I failed and I was stress and worried about what I was going to do for University. But there are always other alternative pathways to get what you want, you may have to chuck in extra work, but that's life! The best thing you can do is doing your best! But even your best may not be everything! But that's okay! All you can ask of yourself is to try and to perform your best! Reflect on yourself, figure out what you can do better in the future is my best advice I can give you! |
@Roxy879 thank you so much for sharing those reflections and experiences with us! It's such an important reminder that there are ways and ways of getting to where you're meant to be, a failed assessment now doesn't mean it's the end!
How can someone manage the stress of studying for future assessments when they failed previous ones? What advice would you have for someone who is concerned about failure?
In this scenario it can be helpful to figure out what might have gone a bit wrong the last time. Did you not understand the task? Did you not leave yourself enough time? Was the study method you used not right for you? (it can take some experimenting!) If possible it might be helpful to talk to your teacher/tutor and be honest about your concerns, see if they have any constructive criticism or advice for the next assessment 🙂
