What is academic stress?
Stress is a natural feeling, designed to help us cope in challenging situations. In small amounts it can be good because it pushes us to work hard and do our best, like during exams. But if we’re feeling really stressed – or that stress is overwhelming – it can cause mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. It can also affect academic performance.
An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey of 540,000 15 to 16-year-olds highlights just how common academic stress is among students. Two-thirds of young people reported feeling stressed about their grades, while 59% said they often worried that a test would be too difficult. As many as 37% reported feeling extremely tense when studying.
What causes stress in students?
There are lots of factors that can cause stress in students. These include:
- Difficulty balancing schoolwork, co-curricular activities, and personal life.
- Issues like bullying, peer pressure, and relationship dynamics.
- Pressure from parents or family to succeed.
- Preparing for and taking exams.
- Adjusting to a new school, year group, or environment.
- Mental health issues, including anxiety or depression.
- A lack of support from teachers or peers.
Signs your child may be experiencing academic stress
Academic stress manifests itself in lots of different ways. The signs vary from person to person, and may be more noticeable at certain times – for example, the closer it gets to an exam or deadline.
Our outstanding pastoral team has lots of experience when it comes to identifying a child who may be struggling. These are some of the signs they look out for:
- A drop in performance: uncharacteristically poor grades, incomplete assignments, or disengagement.
- Changes in behaviour: mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, or sudden emotional outbursts.
- Physical symptoms: tiredness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, headaches, or frequent illnesses.
- Increased self-criticism: negative comments about themselves or their academic achievements.
- A lack of motivation: a lack of enthusiasm for schoolwork or co-curricular activities.
- Procrastination or avoidance: asking for extensions or regularly missing deadlines.
- Perfectionism: seeking to achieve unrealistic standards or becoming obsessed with small mistakes.
How to manage student stress
We work hard to create a supportive, open, and inclusive environment where every student feels comfortable seeking help. Fostering strength and purpose is at the very heart of a NAIS Dublin education because we know that confident students don’t just perform better – they’re happier and more resilient, too.
When it comes to practical support to manage student stress, our staff use a range of approaches. These are designed to help our young people both in and beyond the classroom.
1. Organising and prioritising tasks
We support our learners to break their workload into manageable chunks. Using planners or digital apps, for example, helps them split larger projects into smaller, easier to complete tasks.
We also encourage students to focus on their immediate responsibilities and deadlines, which focuses their minds and prevents the academic stress caused by last-minute cramming. Doing this also enhances productivity.
2. Create a routine
Establishing a study schedule creates structure. It’s important for each student to find a routine that fits their preferred learning methods and styles. Creating a clutter-free study environment at home is proven to boost concentration and make home-learning more enjoyable.
3. Practice mindfulness and relaxation
Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can reduce anxiety and academic stress in students. We encourage our young people to try deep breathing exercises and practice meditation and/or yoga.
4. Stay active and healthy
Physical health is closely linked to mental wellbeing, and regular exercise releases endorphins and improves mood. Eating healthily is also important – enjoying a balanced diet boosts concentration and energy levels.
5. Seek support
We want our students to know they’re not alone. Working with others can lighten the academic burden, and we encourage our young people to reach out to friends, classmates, or family members for emotional support – or set up a study group.
6. Limit screentime
Excessive screentime, especially on social media, can contribute to academic stress in students. We encourage our young people to establish clear boundaries, for example by only spending a certain amount of time on their devices. Engaging in offline hobbies, such as reading or sports, is also hugely beneficial.
7. Focus on the positive
Having a positive mindset can change perspectives on academic stress. We encourage our students to approach tasks with a can-do attitude and set realistic goals. Understanding that perfection isn’t the aim – and that every achievement or milestone matters – is crucial.
We’re here for your child
It’s important to reiterate that academic stress in students is completely normal. And your child isn’t alone when it comes to dealing with it.
Our school-wide commitment to health and happiness – underpinned by our six pillars of wellbeing – creates a safe space where every student receives the personalised care and expert academic guidance they need.
For more information and support about how to manage student stress, please get in touch with the NAIS Dublin pastoral team.
