Five easy ways to cope with the stress of writing term papers

BY CHIOMA IWUNZE-IBIAM

My university professor is expecting our term paper in a few hours. Exhausted and drained of all creative energy, it is impossible for me to write anything worth reading. A psychologist friend declares that I am under immense pressure and quite stressed out. And she is right.But I am curious to discover why this always happens every time a paper is due.  How would I overcome these distressing feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness and writer’s block, which often arise every single time a paper is due for submission?

Many college students can relate to my plight and are wondering the same thing. Stress is the major reason college students resort to buying term papers. In this article, I will like to share my experience of how I learned to cope with the stress of writing papers. It saved me the trouble of constantly sweating over blank sheets of papers and blank computer screens. These five easy steps will help you beat your deadlines with ease,

GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS AND OTHER IRRITANTS

Most writers work better in quiet environments. Others prefer it when their favourite music playing in the background. I learned very early to find quite workspaces whenever I wanted to write. This is one reason I love libraries. The peace and quiet of the environment have a way of calming the nerves and the mind. Concentrating is usually easier when there is little or no noise.

If you can’t afford to be alone in a quiet space, you can try playing your favourite music on your iPod or mp3 player. Plugging the earphones into your ears is sure to block out unpleasant sounds in your surroundings.I would recommend slow instrument-based music especially those that mimic ocean waves.

The first time I tried it, I completed my term paper in one sitting. This technique makes it easy for students to cope with the stress that arises from writing papers.

REARRANGE AND/OR REDECORATE YOUR LIVING AND WORKING SPACE

The idea is to make the workspace more comfortable.

Research by wellness experts has revealed that creativity and productivity are often influenced by the arrangement of the workspace. Certain wall colours are relaxing, while others make humans jittery. Sometimes, moving around the furniture can positively affect your mood and creativity.

Paying attention to my workspace helped me overcome stress. This was something I learned from attending professional writing residencies and workshops. I realized that the design and arrangement of the rooms sparked my creativity. Inspiration was never far away once I settled down to write in the right space.

Why don’t you try this when next you have a paper to write?

STUDY SUCCESSFUL PAPERS RELATED TO THE TOPIC YOU’RE WRITING ON

Sometimes, all you need is a little inspiration from A students who have gone before you. Reading papers others have written can either inspire you or intimidate you. You have to read with confidence. Tell yourself that you can write a better term paper if you put in the work required.

Alternatively, you might gain inspiration from papers, drafts and essays you completed in the past. One student said this technique worked for him. ‘If I could write all these,’ he would say to himself, ‘then I can write this new paper.’

Always stay fired up and inspired.

WATCH YOUR DIET

Certain kinds of foods induce stress and jitteriness in the brain. Examples of such foods are sugary drinks and carbonated beverages. As much as you can, eat foods that boost mental performance.

Experts have shown that the food we eat can affect our ability to concentrate on mental tasks like writing and reading. Students are advised to eat high carb, high fibre and low-fat foods like oatmeal, plantains, and whole wheat bread and so on. If you must indulge in caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, it is better to do so in moderation. Alternatively, you can opt for decaffeinated versions of teas and coffees.

 TAKE A BREAK

Don’t be afraid to walk away from your work desk. Sometimes, a break is all you need to recharge your batteries. A brief walk around the block is sure to get the blood flowing through your brain. Little activities as getting a glass of water to drink or inhaling fresh air can help reenergize you. This technique often helps me get rid of stress.

The biggest benefit of this exercise is that it de-stresses both mind and body. You will return to your desk ready to complete your high-quality papers.

Make sure you choose a stress management technique that works for you. You can try all of the five suggested methods or you can take the right combination that suits your temperament. The most important thing is to ensure that you overcome stress fast enough to complete well-written papers before the looming deadlines.