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Posted March 24, 2013

Stress Busting Techniques for Your Easter Holidays

In a recent university study, 70% of students said that they experienced stress, and 47% of students believed that stress had negatively impacted their academic performance.

Stress has become a part of our every day lives, from busy study schedules and jobs to personal pressures, we all know what it feels like when things start getting on top of us.

The summer term is very often the most stressful part of the university year as this is when the majority of exams are held and final papers need to be handed in. That's why it's vital that you utilize your Easter term break to de-stress and reset your inner balance.

Organisation is Key First off, just remember that although you may be anxious about the impending doom that is exam season, you cannot work non-stop all year round because you will experience ‘burnout’ when it comes to crunch time. The best thing you can do to ensure that you are working to the best of your ability is make a strategic plan of action, complete with timescales and rest days. Yes you heard us right – rest days!

If you begin planning early enough, you may be able to work out a realistic study schedule that effectively leaves your Easter holidays completely free for rest and relaxation. This may sound like lost time to some people, but you have to factor in your overall health and wellbeing when trying to achieve the best results.

Obviously you are the only person who knows how much time you can realistically take off, so think about it carefully and allocate a plan of action starting from today until your final exams. If you feel well prepared and you are on top of your thesis / exam preparations , reward yourself with a good break. If you know that there is no way you can spare a whole week or two over Easter, still do your best to find a good balance. Visit family and friends, enjoy a few day trips, treat yourself to a spa day or get out and about in the countryside - do whatever it is that makes you feel at ease and will help you to forget about study for a few days.

Stress Busting Techniques If you need to study over the holiday period, and you feel the stress building up, here are some techniques to lower the tension and improve long term performance;

  • Eat well and stay hydrated
  • Get up and stretch your body for at least five minutes every hour
  • Take a proper break at lunch time, go out and see a friend for a bite to eat (don’t spend the entire time talking about work!)
  • Go outside and get some fresh air – put some headphones in an take a brisk walk to get the blood flowing and clear your head
  • Take some time off to watch a funny program or movie
  • Go to bed when you feel too tired to carry on

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