Practical Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Do you spend a lot of time sorting through papers and notebooks, trying to find what you want? Some people need help to get better organized. Don’t be ashamed to ask others for suggestions.
2. Do you procrastinate? As a test, make an effort to complete an assignment ahead of time. The relief and satisfaction you feel will surprise you and may motivate you to stop putting off your schoolwork.
3. Do you often find yourself daydreaming during class? Try this for a month: Listen closely to the classroom discussions, and take good notes for later reference. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much easier your homework becomes. That good result will reduce your stress in school.
4. Have you selected classes that increase the pace of your schooling but that require much more time and effort? It is vital that you take those classes? Speak with your parents. Get the opinion of someone with a reasonable view of education. You may find that those optional courses add little to your progress toward graduation.

Practical Ways to Improve Your Memory

1. Stimulate your memory by learning new skills, a new language, or a musical instrument.
2. Focus your attention on the most important things.
3. Learn mnemonic techniques.
4. Drink sufficient water. Dehydration can cause mental confusion.
5. Get enough sleep. During sleep the brain stores memories.
6. Relax while you are studying. Stress triggers the release of Cortisol, which can disrupt nerve interactions.
7. Avoid alcohol abuse and smoking. Alcohol interferes with short-term memory, and alcoholism can lead to a deficiency of thiamine, a B-vitamin that is essential to proper working of the memory. Smoking reduces oxygen to the brain.