3 Reasons Stress is Affecting Your Studies

Stress. In my opinion this is the number one this that is holding you back right. So often stress is seen as a vital part of student life and something that needs to be accepted.

It is true that to a point a small amount of stress can push you a little harder and keep you going during busy times. 

However, that is not the level on stress I am talking about. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, suffocating at the workload, crying at the thought of studying or even fainting due to the pressure - this is too much.

Here are three ways stress may be affecting your studies and suggestions on what to do to reverse this


1. You study late as you feel you have to


Have you ever felt overwhelmed and like you are drowning in work? Maybe you have a test coming up? You decide you have no option but to pull an all-nighter to catch up…

If this happens again, please don’t. Sleep is the number one thing your brain needs to be able to learn and process new information. Lack of sleep is the last thing you need if you are feeling overwhelmed. So next time, skip the all-nighter - and get a good night’s sleep and you will perform better.


2. You procrastinate

Have you ever but off a homework or revision until the last minute and then had to rush to finish it in time and possibly even not do it at all?

This is so often a fear of failure rearing its ugly head. The worst thing about this is that it is a form of self sabotage. 

If you find yourself doing this I want you to sit down and be really honest with yourself. Ask yourself - why am I procrastinating?

Get really honest and if you are feeling stressed about the potential of finding the work challenging or failing have a chat with your parents and teachers - if they understand why you are procrastinating they will be able to help you.

3. You’re working constantly but learning nothing

When we are overwhelmed we can underwork and procrastinate or overwork and burnout. 

Every year I see students working all hours but still not learning anything - they are tired and frazzled and increasingly stressed.

So often these students are spending too much time doing ‘busy work’ - copying out the text work - writing notes and more notes. This gives them the feeling of working hard but the problem is - this work will not be improving their grade. 

Time is every students most valuable commodity. Study time needs to be spend actively learning and by doing this students can actually study lesson - giving more free time and reducing stress.

I recommend investing in a good revision guide or exam board specific notes and set of flashcards. Use these instead of making your own notes and spend your time doing active revision instead - this is a great way to keep stress at bay.


If you are feeling stressed and need some extra help and support, don’t hesitate to contact these organisations who are there to help: