Dealing with School Stress
There are mountains of work, expectations, and exams. You don't want to disappoint anyone. How would your parents react if you, the “perfect” child, got a bad grade? You need a break, but you need academic validation even more. After all, that's the only thing that makes you feel appreciated, so you can't afford to lose it.
Many people have felt the need to earn and to have academic validation. But the truth is that failure is unavoidable in your life. But how can you get past that? How can you deal with all the stress and anxiety you get because of school?
When feeling stressed due to school, consider the cause. Below are a few common causes which we will cover in this article:
Overwhelming workload
Lack of motivation
Not understanding the material
Ineffective study methods
Demotivating setbacks
An Overwhelming Workload
Piles and piles of work. Where do you start? What do you have to finish? How do you do it?
In this situation, you should prioritize specific tasks. Make a tier list of the tasks you need to finish based on three factors: the task's difficulty, the estimated time to complete it, and the amount it will affect your grade and its due date.
After prioritizing, tackle the most urgent tasks first. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set realistic goals and deadlines for each task, and enjoy breaks in between to recharge. Remember, asking for help if you're struggling with any assignment is okay
Lack of Motivation
Feeling unmotivated can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. To combat this, try to find meaning and purpose in your studies. Connect them to your long-term goals and aspirations. Set rewards for yourself upon completing tasks, whether treating yourself to something you enjoy or taking a break to do something fun. Surround yourself with positive influences and peers who encourage and support your academic journey.
Not Understanding the Material
Don't hesitate to seek clarification if you struggle to grasp concepts or understand assignments. Reach out to your teachers, classmates, or tutors for assistance. Utilize online resources, textbooks, or supplementary materials to reinforce your understanding. Don't let pride get in the way of asking for help; everyone learns at their own pace, and it's perfectly normal to struggle with certain subjects.
Ineffective Study Methods
Effective studying is a skill that develops over time. Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. These could include creating flashcards, summarizing notes, teaching the material to someone else, or using mnemonic devices. Break up your study sessions into smaller chunks and space them out over time for better retention. Stay organized and create a dedicated study space that is free from distractions.
Demotivating Setbacks
Academic setbacks are a natural part of the learning process, so it shouldn't define your entire educational journey. Instead of dwelling on past failures, use your setbacks as opportunities for growth and resilience. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that everyone experiences setbacks at some point. Also, don't be afraid to adjust your goals or seek support if needed. These apply to setbacks outside of school as well. It's important to first acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience them. Then, take a step back, reflect on what led to the setback and what you can learn from it, and develop a plan of action to address the setback constructively. Seek help from friends, family, or mentors who can offer encouragement and perspective. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and use the setback as a learning experience to propel you forward.
Understanding your Learning Style
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences highlights various ways individuals can excel beyond traditional academic abilities. These intelligences include linguistic, visual-spatial, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and musical intelligence. Linguistic intelligence, for example, involves proficiency in reading, writing, and verbal communication. On the other hand, visual-spatial intelligence allows individuals to think in images. Recognizing these diverse intelligences can help you tailor your study approach to leverage your strengths. If you struggle to understand a subject, consider exploring it through different intelligences. Understanding your intelligence type can significantly increase your study effectiveness. For example, if you are a visual learner and struggle to understand math, comprehensive videos and images would be exponentially more effective than reading straight from a textbook. It’s not that you are dumb; it’s just that you learn differently. And there is no “right” way to learn. You can easily find a “9 intelligences” quiz online to discover your intelligence type! Utilize this knowledge to create learning techniques that best suit your needs. However, experimenting with different study methods to learn what works best for you is still essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating school challenges can be daunting, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. By identifying the root causes of your stress and implementing strategies to address them, you can build resilience and achieve academic success while maintaining your well-being. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Edited by: Esther Chung