Take The Stress Out of Exams

Get tips on how to handle your stress from University of Gloucestershire.

Exams are coming and perhaps you are also anxiously anticipating the results of your University applications. This is a stressful time for many students. If you have accepted a place at University you may be worried about budgeting or establishing a new social circle.

Have you been feeling irritable? Do you have trouble sleeping? Or perhaps you just feel overwhelmed.

Here are a couple suggestions to help you cope:

Exercise
Activity can help you reduce stress levels, because when your body is active it releases endorphins which make you feel good. Head to the gym or the park; run, jog, walk or maybe try yoga or pilates!

The University of Gloucestershire offers dozens of sports clubs and opportunities to play with friends on a casual basis with UNIversal Sport, which welcomes students of all abilities.

Meditation
Take a moment to sit quietly on your own and focus on your breathing. Let everything else go and calm your mind. It’s worth a go, especially now that we spend so much time plugged into so many different types of media.

Hang with a pet
Just stroking a dog can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. It’s not magic, it’s science. If the work or the worry is getting to you find a furry friend… or even a scaly one.

If you don’t have access to your own pet then volunteering to walk dogs at re-homing centres is great stress relief for both you and the animals!

Sleep
Napping saves lives. And when you’re still a student you can always afford 20 minutes for a nap. Instead of letting Netflix auto-play another episode of The Big Bang Theory or Better Call Saul, take a nap instead. You’ll feel better for it and you’ll be more productive.

If you’re struggling to overcome the stress and it’s developing into anxiety and depression be sure to consult a Doctor or a support network. Here at the University of Gloucestershire we boast award winning student support services, including Mental Health & Wellbeing Advisers available to help you take your first steps towards rebalancing and conquering your goals!