Sunday, December 6, 2009

Test Time!

As finals approach many students (even the best of us) tend to over stress and therefore over complicate their study schedules.

It is sometimes hard not to stress when the fear of failing a class, losing a scholarship, being cut off by your parents, or simply getting the grade you originally aimed for is pounding in the back of your head.  However; the consequences of not making the best grade on a final or in a class do not compare to the consequences of excessive stress.

Stressing excessively is the last thing anyone should do during study time. Stress not only impairs one's memory and concentration abilities but wreaks havoc on the body in other ways as well.  In addition to the impaired cognitive functioning and the over-stimulation of cortisol and other stress hormones, stress can also disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbate headaches and migraines, cause indigestion, induce food cravings, cause insulin resistance (causing the body to store fat), and increase anxiety, aggressiveness and feelings of depression (none of which help with studying)!

Helpful tips:

Exercise! The benefits of regular exercise are almost endless. Specifically, exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate stress.  Exercise forces the body to produce and reset hormone levels such as Human Growth Hormone, testosterone, and many thyroid hormones (t3, t4, TSH), as well as reset sleep patterns, detoxify the body as a whole, and increase blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body.

Relax!  Take a yoga class, take a walk, meditate, pray, or participate in hobbies and other stress reducing activities.  People who are high strung like me tend to over think things.  Sometimes it helps to take frequent breaks from studying or projects simply to get some fresh air and allow the mind to reset and calm down.

Rethink!  The worst possible situation that could arise from acquiring a failing grade is that one might lose some scholarship money, be required to work and go to school part time, or simply have to retake a class. Alternatively, the consequences of excessive stress can be life threatening.  Continuous stress disrupts normal hormonal function and puts the body in a constant state of panic. This can lead to the generation of free radicals, accelerate the aging process, impair immune functions, and even cause cancer and other forms of chronic disease if not kept in check.

Backup! Any time a stressful situation arises (whether in school or not), attempt to rethink the situation; mentally “take a step back,” and try to logically work out the problem at hand.  Realize that stress is just a wall or other mental obstacle.  Instead of panicking and trying to climb over that wall, tear it down, or bust through it, simply take a step back and walk around it.


Once the realization occurs that mental stress has absolutely no benefits it will be easier to shrug it off and pull through normally stressful situations.  This will not only make study time more efficient and peaceful, but also life in general.  

Disclaimer

The information on this site is for educational use only. All information is sourced from peer reviewed professional studies, professional works, and professional journals from the USA and around the world; However, no information on this site should replace the advice of a qualified, licensed, and competent health care professional. Always consult your doctor before beginning any wellness plan, exercise regimen, or making any dramatic dietary changes.

About Me

I am an Exercise Health Science pre-professional at Kennesaw State University. I have been studying Fitness, nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention ever since i was diagnosed with cancer as a high school student. Through my experiences i have learned that the human body is an amazing machine capable of overcoming 99.9% of all disease by simply adding exercise and potent nutrition into ones daily routine. I hope to pass on my findings to you!