3 tips for managing anxiety during study in the pandemic
If you’re feeling anxious about upcoming coursework, assessments and exams, you’re not alone - particularly in the current climate. Here are our top tips to get you through.
Navigating highs and lows are a part of everyday “student life”. But add a pandemic to the mix, and suddenly meeting deadlines, passing assessments and staying motivated reach a new level of difficulty.
If you’re one of the millions of students managing anxiety during this time, know that you’re not alone. There are strategies you can use to keep yourself feeling grounded and in control.
Better yet, many of these tactics can be applied to everyday anxiety, as well as study-related worries.
Managing anxiety while studying:
1. Focus on just one task per day
While your pre-iso self may have been tackling ten different tasks on any given day, you may find the need to slow down during this time. After all, you could be coming to terms with job loss, changes to your living situation, or seeing your support network less.
Anxiety often arises when we feel “out of control”. Therefore, having a lot of spinning plates can exacerbate it. For this reason, try focusing on just one task you’d like to complete per day.
It might be getting your readings for a subject done, taking part in a discussion forum, or completing your assignment.
Narrowing your focus can quieten the background noise and help you stay focused.
2. Contact your university
Remember, your uni is here to help during this time.
While reaching out and saying “I’m falling behind” may make your heartrate increase momentarily, letting others know where you’re at can take a huge weight off your shoulders.
Your lecturer will be able to chat through the coursework you’re struggling with and offer solutions.
If you’re not able to meet the requirements of your subject, you may be able to apply for Special Circumstances. However, your case will need to be assessed by your university.
Students enrolled through Open Universities Australia (OUA) also receive four hours of free tuition each study term using Smarthinking—an online tutoring platform.
Remember, there’s always a solution.
3. Eat well, move more
Bingeing on junk food and Netflix may seem like the perfect cure for a frazzled mind, but don’t underestimate the power of some leafy greens and a stretch of the legs.
Research has proven that exercise is a powerful way to release mental tension—decreasing feelings of fear and worry.
Similarly, diet and how you’re feeling are undeniably linked. Sugar, alcohol, and you guessed it, caffeine, have all been found to impact feelings of anxiety.
If you’re having a particularly tough day emotionally, try to go for a walk (or a run if you’re up for it), and dig into something nutritious. You’ll feel better for it.
