Tips on how to stop stressing?

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Ever since this semester started (which turned out to be much harder than anticipated), I've been constantly studying (which I know is expected). I wake up every single day and all I do is study all day. If I'm not studying for an exam, I have the MCAT to keep me company (taking it in January). It's a cycle of stress, anxiety, and tiredness, at least for me. I still do some things here and there, like watch an episode of a tv show before going to bed...but I'm stressed because of how much there is to do, even when I'm trying to "relax".

Any tips on how to help my situation of stressing (I know I have a problem of over stressing)?

 

[Birdstrike]

Ever since this semester started (which turned out to be much harder than anticipated), I've been constantly studying (which I know is expected). I wake up every single day and all I do is study all day. If I'm not studying for an exam, I have the MCAT to keep me company (taking it in January). It's a cycle of stress, anxiety, and tiredness, at least for me. I still do some things here and there, like watch an episode of a tv show before going to bed...but I'm stressed because of how much there is to do, even when I'm trying to "relax".

Any tips on how to help my situation of stressing (I know I have a problem of over stressing)?

Get out, do things that are social, get outside in the fresh air and sunlight, and see the side of life that isn't so isolating and anxiety generating as obsessive studying. It's hard to do, because we're all driven and prone to excess (that's how we got here) but get out there and set the books aside for a while. Do some things that are strictly fun, social, physical and have absolutely nothing to do with academics. Do this regularly. Also, get regular exercise. When you exercise to the point of exhaustion, there's much less energy available for nervous energy and the mind is calmer. Ever seen anyone balled up with anxiety at the end of a marathon, 10K or 5k run?

You'll see tons of people anxious as can be at the starting line, but never at the finish. It's virtually impossible. They've burned off all nervous energy available to them.

When you go back to studying, you'll learn more in less time, after doing these things.

 

[BBBallIsLife]

Make a daily schedule! That helps me the best. Allot time for chill time and breaks in it. I feel better about myself when I check stuff off my list. Also, seeing it all written on paper makes me stress less because I can see what I need to do written out, and can spread it out as necessary.

 

[climbrunskirepeat]

Make a daily schedule!

I think this is great advice on both ends of the spectrum. For me, when I study, I treat it like a job - I make appointments on my calendar to study x subject (this was especially helpful for the MCAT) for x time. Then I would take the open time to take a break. When I was at a recent interview, my interviewer said that training can be brutal and you will need something to help you decompress. It's probably better to find what help you with that now.

When you exercise to the point of exhaustion, there's much less energy available for nervous energy and the mind is calmer. Ever seen anyone balled up with anxiety at the end of a marathon, 10K or 5k run?

But be smart about it, I'm sitting on a stress fracture after increasing my mileage too quickly. 🙁

 

[Goro]

Ever since this semester started (which turned out to be much harder than anticipated), I've been constantly studying (which I know is expected). I wake up every single day and all I do is study all day. If I'm not studying for an exam, I have the MCAT to keep me company (taking it in January). It's a cycle of stress, anxiety, and tiredness, at least for me. I still do some things here and there, like watch an episode of a tv show before going to bed...but I'm stressed because of how much there is to do, even when I'm trying to "relax".

Any tips on how to help my situation of stressing (I know I have a problem of over stressing)?

Exercise

Practice mindfulness techniques

Do yoga

Talk to a counselor

 

[getdown]

You're doing it wrong

 

[Hass_Love_Fitness]

Exercise is a great stress relief. Personally i’ve also found reishi mushroom tea and dried whole body powder to help alleviate stress.

 

[deleted853360]

Ever since this semester started (which turned out to be much harder than anticipated), I've been constantly studying (which I know is expected). I wake up every single day and all I do is study all day. If I'm not studying for an exam, I have the MCAT to keep me company (taking it in January). It's a cycle of stress, anxiety, and tiredness, at least for me. I still do some things here and there, like watch an episode of a tv show before going to bed...but I'm stressed because of how much there is to do, even when I'm trying to "relax".

Any tips on how to help my situation of stressing (I know I have a problem of over stressing)?

I give myself time deadlines and set up to do lists. If I don’t finish work or studying by 7-8pm then I stop regardless and do whatever I want. If you’re prone to be on social media and have an iPhone set up time restrictions so you can make the most use of your time when you do study. Also switch up where you study so you don’t associate certain places with stress. Cooking for me is a stress relief. I always find new recipes to learn to cook. Call your friends/family if you feel overwhelmed! Learn to preserve your mental health now so that you won’t continue to suffer later. Go to your school’s counseling office once a week. Journal. Create outlets outside of studying.

 

[leonardoson]

Exercise

Practice mindfulness techniques

Do yoga

Talk to a counselor

I second exercising and talking to a counselor. It was nice to talk to someone who is there to intently listen to because in this day and age it seems no one really listens they are just ****in around on their phone or waiting for their turn to speak.

The happiest I've been in the past couple of years is when I consistently exercise, a good way to release stress and fun if you create goals.

 

[Medic741]

Find an active hobby. As of right now am doing Anki at a climbing gym for tomorrow’s cardio exam. You gotta work healthy habits into your day or you’ll get hosed in the long run.

 

[stickgirl390]

Give yourself a dedicated time each week to do something completely unrelated to school work, guilt free. For me, it’s Friday after 5pm. At that time every week I drop everything I’m doing and relax, usually do something with my fiancé. I don’t allow myself to feel guilty about not studying at all. Doing this actually increased my productivity during the rest of the week.