Student stress-busting

Stress levels within the country's student population are currently sky-high, with many of us desperately revising for exams and handing in final pieces of coursework.

A certain amount of anxiety is perfectly natural, but how can we prevent our worries and fears affecting our academic performance?

Personally, I find a copious amount of Facebooking (i.e. Internet-based stalking) is both highly relaxing and sometimes reassuring, as everyone else seems to be experiencing the pressure too.

I am aware, however, that sitting in front a computer all day eventually becomes deeply sad and rather anti-social.

So what are the best techniques for beating stress 'the natural way'?

It might sound like a cliché, but regular exercise combined with a healthy diet is probably the ultimate solutions to both temporary and long-term stress.

Recently, I joined my local gym for the fabulous student price of £39 for three months!

If you find it hard to motivate yourself to exercise, then perhaps enlist a friend to join you for moral support.

Not only does a work out improve your fitness and stimulate endorphins ('happy hormones'), but it helps to internalise the facts you may have revised that day.

a stressed-out student should avoid alcohol at all costs. It will only momentarily numb your anxiety and will eventually lead to a hungover morning's revision.

Rachel Blundy

Eating high energy foods such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, pasta and potatoes will also boost your physical and mental performance.

Oily fish is constantly recommended by health experts as essential 'brain' food because it contains considerable levels of omega3.

Always stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables during the exam period.

Simultaneously, however, treat yourself to a few guilty pleasures (e.g. chocolate, ice cream, cakes) at the end of the day as a reward for all your hard graft.

Alongside these techniques, endeavour to organise and structure your day; particularly during periods of study leave.

Make space in your timetable for consistent breaks from revision. Factor in one complete day off a week if possible.

Try to socialise as much as possible outside of 'study' time, or phone a friend for a chat if you're having a sudden panic.

In my experience, a stressed-out student should avoid alcohol at all costs.

It will only momentarily numb your anxiety and will eventually lead to a hungover morning's revision.

If you go out clubbing, stick to soft drinks and only indulge yourself if you can afford to sleep it off the next day.

Most importantly, try not to become swamped by your work. Never attempt to learn new material the day before an exam; you simply will not absorb it.

And last of all; get your studies into perspective. Modules can be re-taken if the worst happens.

One result does not have to affect the rest of your life.

Prepare well and reap the benefits later.