The world has changed drastically. As development has increased, competition has too. This means that school isn’t what it was. Students of today are often faced with extreme pressure. School results are not just results and most often, students use these marks as an indicator of their intelligence and their future. 

Students are faced with so many challenges. They need to do well in school, however they can’t just be academic achievers. They need to be all-rounders. The balance between the sports field, cultural sphere and academic commitments is extremely difficult and often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and incapable. 

As a tutor, I have seen the impacts of anxiety on academics first-hand. The anxiety is fierce and often leaves students feeling incompetent and frazzled. Their confidence gets knocked, making it even harder for them to achieve the goals they have the potential to achieve. 

I will be sharing a few tips that both my students and I have practiced and found beneficial. 

•  Planning

This one may seem a bit obvious but is a tip that makes a world of a difference. Weekly schedules that include assessments, assignments, extra-murals, and social commitments helps students prioritise and organise. When you can see the list of tasks in front of you, it makes a busy week a lot less daunting. Practicing effective scheduling means that students can pace themselves and schedule in time to rest and recharge their batteries- all while completing weekly tasks. 

• Rest

This is a very important part to managing anxiety. It is important that students know when to stop. Getting the required amount of sleep enables students to work at their optimal level. Whilst many students believe studying all night will help them in a test or exam, it often does not as the brain is not as rested as it needs to be. It is important for students to develop boundaries and know when to stop and when to take rest. 

• Diet

To parents and those out of school, we can understand why this is an important component to managing anxiety. When you have the right foods in your system, your body is better equipped to handle and overcome stress. Eating regular meals and drinking plenty of water is important and should be taken seriously. Foods that are naturally rich in magnesium assist in reducing anxiety levels. This includes leafy greens- like spinach, nuts, seeds, and legumes. 

This is not an exhaustive list of solutions to managing anxiety, but it includes the key components to achieving balance. It is important that we provide as much support and guidance to students during these stressful times. Students should learn to manage their anxiety themselves, but it is important that they are reassured of their capabilities and your support.