Sometimes, even after trying our level best, we are not able to achieve our desired goal or reach the level we should have. There are also certain situations where we are just not motivated enough and don’t realize the need to start working until it’s too late.

Sometimes circumstances align perfectly in the way of our progress or success, preventing us from being able to put in any effort at all. Whatever the reason may have been, failures are capable of breaking us from within. 

No amount of quotes like “Failure is a stepping stone to success” make any sense or any positive difference. We seem to lose all hope and look down on ourselves and feel incapable of achieving anything at all. In such times when the mind is cloudy and full of uncertain thoughts, the future may seem dull and blurred.

One thought leads to another and it keeps getting worse. But one thing we must remember is that everyone has to go through this at least once in their life and we are not alone. 

Here are a few ways which we hope help you relax your mind and feel better in such situations.

1. Relax, take a break 

The first and foremost important step in such a situation is to calm yourself down. Divert your mind away from all the negativity for a day or so. Give your overworked mind and body the rest and peace that it deserves. Make up for those sleepless nights by having a nice and cozy afternoon nap.

Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, watch a nice movie, and have warm coffee or tea or anything you like. Spend your day alone or with a loved one or pet who makes you feel lighter about everything that is happening inside your mind.

2. Eat your favorite food / Do something you love

A lot of times eating your favorite food or something good can instantly boost your mood. It is not just a false saying that good food is a way to your heart, it indeed is. That is the reason people tend to binge eat when they feel low because food is capable of filling in the emotional void we feel within ourselves.

Doing something you love like playing your favorite sport, dancing, listening to music, painting, etc. can help you divert your attention to something that has a positive effect on you. Most of us believe that we are good at what we love doing. So the feeling or seeing our work or doing that particular activity can make you feel better about yourself and remind you that your capabilities are way beyond the numbers on your mark sheets!

3. Breathe easy and stretch often while you study

When we are stressed, breathing normally also starts to seem like a task. Shortness of breath is a common sign of aggravated stress. I remember the amount of emphasis that was placed on the breathing pattern and exercises while I was doing my yoga certificate course.

Now as I have learned to apply it in my daily life, I can feel the changes it has made. Breathing exercises are a quick way to relieve the stress and tension in your body. It slows down your heart rate, normalizes the blood flow, and in all calms your mind. This way you are able to think clearly and work more efficiently.

Stretching at regular intervals will also break down the tension in your body that was created by sitting in a position for too long and increase the blood flow to your brain. It is important to move and change positions rather than continuously sitting at your desk. This will help you stay alert and awake and as well as help you study for a longer duration. 

4. Learn to manage your time

Making a study timetable is vital if you want to get the most out of your study time and keep it as stress-free as possible. Planning your studies a week or month ahead of time is great because you’ll know exactly what you need to do and will have the time to complete it.

Even if you have less time than you’d like, making a schedule will ensure that you get the most important things done in the time you have. Make time for breaks and enjoyable activities, and mix things up so you don’t spend the entire day studying the same subject and you’ll grow bored!

There are some wonderful study applications that can help you take charge of your schedule if you’re a bit disorganized or have trouble getting out of bed in the mornings (you’re a student, after all). These apps will remind you to take timed breaks at intervals you specify. It helps you avoid distractions and study in shorter, more efficient spurts.

5. Talk it out to someone dear 

The pressure might be overpowering when you’re feeling tense and concerned about your academics and tests. Talking to your peers about what you’re going through is a terrific method to get a handle on the situation. You might discover that they are experiencing the same feelings as you, and as the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved!

Take a break from your workstation if things are getting too much for you. Call a trusted friend or a parent and talk about your study woes. You’ll feel so much better just for expressing your concerns, and you’ll hang up with renewed concentration and drive! After all, there is no app replacement or substitute for face-to-face human contact.

What is more important is that once we are done feeling what we are feeling, we must get up, buckle up and decide to try better the next time.