We’ve all been there. We have all sat at a desk re-reading the same section of text over and over again, becoming more and more frustrated by the second. Frustration leads to stress which leads to anxiety which leads to feelings of flight or fight. We want to quit, or we want to argue.
If you are studying a Cert IV TAE, TAE Skillsets, a diploma of VET or a Dual Diploma of VET/TDD and felt this way, you are not alone. When we get stressed, often we get caught in the same loop of thinking. The trick is to have coping strategies for when the stressful moment arises.
Here are 4 actions to take when study is stressing you out:
Action #1: Reach out
Often stress and frustration come from feeling stuck and with all things TAE, this can happen at times for almost every student. The solution is to seek help and figure out your next move. Here at Fortress, the last thing we want is our students to feel stuck in the one place with their TAE studies, so please, give us a call or send us an email. We would love to answer your questions and get you back on track!
Action #2: Break your TAE study down (and break it up!)
Sometimes study can stress us out because we feel it will never end – the pages just seem to go on and on and on! The workload seems like the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest! The thought enters our mind, “This is going to take FOREVER! What have I signed up for?!”
The way people make it up and down Mt Everest is by taking one step at a time, and that’s exactly what you have to do when completing your TAE course. Break up your study into manageable sections so that you aren’t overwhelmed and overloaded with information. On a piece of paper, write down what you want to achieve each day or each week. Make sure you tick them off as you complete each task.
Action #3: Get up and walk away
This may come as no surprise, but sometimes a simple change in location can change your headspace. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air and have a little walk around. If you can, go for a run (or have a nice bath). You may find that when you return to your study, you will be in a more positive and energised mind frame.
Action #4: Do something that makes you happy
If getting up and walking away isn’t enough, take it to the next level and treat yourself! Watch a movie, read a book, head to a cafe with a friend – do something that will replenish your happiness and decrease your stress. When you sit down to study again, you will be in a much more tolerant and optimistic mood.
In conclusion…
Don’t let your TAE study get the best of you. Remember: This too shall pass.
Figure out which strategies work best for you when you begin to get stressed and have a “De-stress Plan” ready to go.
Most importantly, know that we are here to help if you feel stressed and stuck! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Send us an email, or give us a call on 1300 141 994.
