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It is hard to believe that finals are right around the corner. By now you may have started studying for your last quizzes, tests and exams, and I have no doubt you are feeling the effects of stress weighing you down.
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When you sense danger, the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or stress response.
This stress response is the body’s way of protecting you and when working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic and alert and can help you to rise to meet challenges such as studying for long periods of time. However, there is a point where stress becomes harmful and starts damaging your health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life.
Studying for and taking tests is stressful. Here are 9 effects of test-induced stress.
1. Heavy drinking, drug or tobacco use
A feeling of being overwhelmed with multiple tests can cause students to try to find different relaxation outlets. Sometimes, students turn to heavy drinking, drug or tobacco use to try and reduce stress levels.
These unhealthy habits lead to more issues down the road, including the risk of addiction and all of the common problems associated with substance abuse.
2. Weight issues
From the Freshman 15 to eating disorders, weight issues are a common effect of stress. The time needed to study for exams can cause an irregular eating pattern that can lead to obesity or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Losing or gaining weight unintentionally happens to many college students. It is easy to fall into an unhealthy pattern of eating when you feel stressed.
3. Dropping out
Roughly 50 percent of American college students who enter college do not end up graduating, according to US Census figures, which say that 6 in 10 high school seniors go to college the following year but only 29 percent of adults 25 and over had at least a bachelor’s degree.
Though there are many other factors influencing drop-out rates, declining academic success from poor test results can lead to students giving up and dropping out (or flunking out) of school.
4. Depression/anxiety
The burden of multiple tests can weigh you down, draining your energy or making you extremely anxious.
A feeling of despair or dread is common in some students during test taking. Some students develop issues of anxiety as they struggle to achieve certain grades and put pressure on themselves.
Depression and anxiety can manifest in a range of ways, causing small to severe effects.
5. Physical health issues
Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma and arthritis.
Other physical symptoms include headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure and chest pain. Research suggests that stress can also bring on or worsen certain symptoms of diseases.
6. Sleep issues
Stress can cause changes in sleep patterns. Many students have difficulty sleeping and will be kept up late hours due to test anxiety.
On the other hand, some college students may sleep much more than usual as a coping method to deal with stress.
7. Compromised immune system
Stressed college students may find they are sick more frequently than their friends, because being stressed can compromise the immune system and leave a person more susceptible to viruses and illness.
8. Cognitive symptoms
Stress can cause a variety of cognitive problems. Memory problems, an inability to concentrate and poor judgment are some side effects to stress.
In addition, anxious or racing thoughts and constant worrying, as well as only seeing the negative in situations, are possible effects of test-induced stress.
9. Emotional/behavioral symptoms
Stress can prove extremely frustrating and cause you to feel a range of emotions.
Moodiness, irritability or short temper and agitation can result from stress, as can a feeling of being overwhelmed and a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities and nervous habits such as nail biting and pacing can also result from too much stress.
Stress has many other effects and symptoms. Learn how to relax quickly and to manage stress with tips found here.
Now take a deep breath, relax and go pass your tests!
Are you looking for college advice and tips from successful students? Download the free Uloop & Kaplan eBook, Student to Student today!