Before we get started, we appreciate that reading can be stressful, particularly for those with Neurodiverse conditions. so, we are going to keep this one short, sweet, and interactive!
When we feel stressed, our brain releases a steroid hormone called cortisol. This alerts our bodies to react instantly as a stressor is seen as a threat, this instant reaction is called the ‘stress response’. Consequently, our brain then goes through a series of reactions to protect us, albeit some are good reactions, and some are bad.
Cortisol can cloud the way we think and gets in the way of rational thoughts, meaning our responses aren’t always great. Because of this, it’s important to stay as cool, calm, and collected as you can when you are studying, especially for exams!
Firstly, we need to get to know why we feel stressed as this is the best way to tackle the problem – finding our ‘triggers’.
Keeping a stress diary is a great way of pinpointing the areas which get you the most stressed.
The most common causes of stress include being under pressure, heightened feelings of worry, having no control, feelings of being overwhelmed, times of uncertainty and big changes.
Once you are somewhat familiar with where your major stressors are coming from, try one or more of the following tips to soothe that stress response.
We hope this information has been useful and will help you sail through your studies! Also, remember that ever year, every April is Stress Awareness Month and there’s loads of information available to help get you through those life, and educational, stressors!
