Academic stress and anxiety can really get to you, but don’t worry – you’re definitely not alone. Lots of students feel the same way, and the good news is there are great strategies to help manage it. We reached out to our awesome Stride tutors for their best advice on handling stress and feeling less overwhelmed, and they shared some fantastic tips. Let’s jump into these five practical tips to make your academic journey a lot smoother and way less stressful!
1. Create a Structured Study Schedule
Establishing a structured study schedule can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety about academic tasks. Here’s what our tutors recommend:
- “Use a planner or an agenda to map out your time. Plan accordingly and stick to it!” – Adrianne B., Middle School Math Tutor
- “Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and relaxation activities.” – Shani G., High School Science Tutor
- “I recommend students create a reasonable plan and put in consistent effort to keep what they can control, like their school schedule, in a routine that works for them. There will always be stressors in life, but with a plan and consistent effort you can overcome anything!” – Ryn B., High School Math Tutor
2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress levels. Stride tutors are well-versed in mindfulness techniques and support students with tools they can use when stress arises.
- “Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce stress.” – Angelica A., High School Math Tutor
- “As a yoga teacher, I coach students through box breathing to help ground themselves when they’re anxious.” – Taylor L., Middle School Math Tutor
- “Taking brain breaks and water breaks when needed can help students remain focused and attentive.” – Laura P., Middle School Foreign Language Tutor
3. Break Tasks into Smaller, Manageable Steps
Breaking down tasks into smaller steps can make them more manageable and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Here’s what our tutors advise:
- “Get started early and work in small chunks! Big projects are overwhelming and can cause so much stress and anxiety. It’s best if the task can be broken into smaller, manageable amounts.” – Laura E., Middle School Math Tutor
- “I recommend that students take a step back when they are academically stressed and break down their workload into more manageable pieces. For instance, if you have a big project coming up, break it down into sections so you will feel accomplished after you finish them. Sometimes, having smaller chunks of work can make things less stressful and cause less anxiety.” – Rebecca C., High School Science Tutor
4. Reach Out for Support
Remember, you are not alone! Seeking support from counselors, trusted friends and family, or professionals can provide valuable guidance and alleviate feelings of isolation. In addition to teachers, online tutors can be an instrumental part of your support system.
Almost all of our tutors mentioned finding a trusted adult to talk to when you need support as a helpful tool for managing stress. Here’s their advice:
- “Discussing their academic stress and anxiety with parents and teachers will allow students to feel supported and have the tools to achieve mastery of the material.” – Emily P., Middle School Science Tutor
- “Regular tutoring sessions can be helpful so they stay up to date on the material they are learning in class and get outside-of-class support on it. Sometimes I know that the student has a good grasp on the material but is still feeling stressed about how they will perform on an assessment, so I might give a little pep talk and give them test taking strategies to help them focus on what they do know and move through the material.” – Amanda L., High School Math Tutor
5. Prioritize Sleep and Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is crucial for managing stress. Our tutors are all in favor of students prioritizing their self-care to achieve better academic outcomes. Here’s what they recommend:
- “Manage stress and anxiety by ensuring you are getting enough sleep. Staying up too late to do work and not getting enough sleep is more detrimental in the long run.” – Laura P., Middle School Foreign Language Tutor
- “Prioritize self-care practices like consistent exercise and enough sleep, both very important to maintain a balanced lifestyle.” – Gabe J., High School Foreign Languages Tutor
- “Don’t stay up too late! Get at least 8 hours of sleep before getting up for school the next morning; lack of sleep and the lag creates unnecessary stress and anxiety.” – Reynaldo M., Middle School Math Tutor
Remember, managing academic stress is a process, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. These tips are here to guide you, but finding what works best for you is key. Stay positive, take things one step at a time, and know that you can handle whatever comes your way.
Good luck, and take care of yourself!
