How to Avoid Stress While Studying Online

Online studying has become very popular in recent times as people strive for promotion or self-improvement. There may be many reasons why you have thought about becoming one of them and getting some online qualifications yourself. However, the downside is that it can be a bit stressful, especially if you are trying to juggle other commitments simultaneously. If you feel the strain of studying, completing assignments, and working towards exams, you are not alone. Here are some great ways to avoid stress while studying online.

1 Plan How You Will Study

Before you start, plan how and when you will study. Some courses, such as these accelerated nursing programs, available online through Baylor University, will allow you to increase your study time and get your qualification sooner than you might with a standard course. This is great if you have the time and want to qualify quickly. However, you should consider the period you want to study over and a realistic number of hours to study each week before you start.

Most courses will offer you a course plan to see when your assignments are due and how much work you need to put in to get them done. This is invaluable in planning your time, and proper consideration will mean that you don’t have to rush and burn the midnight oil the night before your deadline and suffering from stress in the process.

 

2 Take Breaks

To study effectively and not get too stressed, you will need to plan breaks into your schedule. If you want to study for a few hours, it is best to study for 45 minutes and then take a break for 15 minutes. Get up and move around the room or make a coffee during this time. This will help you relax and unwind and feel refreshed and ready to work when you return to your studies. You will take in a lot more information this way than if you try to study for several hours at a time.

 

3 Focus

It is easy to lose sight of why you want to study online when you are feeling stressed. This could cause you to lose focus and interest in what you are doing. Stay focused by making a list of all the reasons you want to study online and putting it somewhere you can see it. Don’t be afraid to add to it when you think of new things. This will help you feel motivated and keep you focused on what you are doing and your reasons for doing it.

 

4 Ask For Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Tutors are used to helping their students learn how to manage stress, especially around assignment deadlines and exam times. Your tutor will be able to talk through any questions you have and put your mind at rest.

If you are studying for work-related qualifications, it is worth approaching your HR department for help and advice about managing stress. They might arrange for you to do some studying in work time or offer you a mentor who has done the course before to give you some pointers. It is in their best interests to do well and obtain the qualifications you need, and you might be surprised just how helpful they can be.

 

5 Relaxation

Relaxation is an essential factor in staying focused on your studies. If you can’t relax, your mind may start to wonder when you are studying, and you will find it a lot more difficult to retain information. Practice yoga or meditation if you want to relax, and this should help you a lot. Schedule a class or an online lesson into your day once or twice per week, and this will help you study and stay focused on the work you are doing. Breathing exercises are a fantastic way to help your de-stress, too, and they only need to take a couple of minutes at a time.

 

6 Exercise

Exercise is not only a workout for your body; it is excellent for your mind too. Getting the blood flowing around your body will help you to de-stress and unwind. Exercise allows you to think about something other than studying as you work towards your fitness goals instead. Exercising outside can help you relax as it makes you feel at one with nature, so try to work out your stress by getting on your bike or going for a run when you have had enough studying – you can always return to it later if you want to.

 

7 Healthy Eating

You are what you eat, and this is especially true if you are studying. Research has shown that foods such as bananas, nuts, and oily fish can improve your brainpower and help you concentrate, so you should eat lots of these foods around exam time. You should always aim to eat a healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day if you want to give yourself enough energy to study well. Steer clear of sugar and alcohol as this will harm your studies.

 

8 Sleep

It can be challenging to get to sleep or stay asleep if you feel stressed as there is a lot on your mind. However, sleep will repair your body and mind and make it easier to concentrate on your studies. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep per night and get to bed before midnight if you want to wake up feeling refreshed. Stop studying at least an hour before you go to bed and unwind with a warm bath or a hot drink, as these will help you drift off peacefully.

Follow these tips to avoid stress when studying online and get the best out of the experience.