It's IA and EE season! As an IB student, you're no stranger to the stress and pressure that can accompany this academic journey. But fear not, my fellow IB warriors, because, in this blog post, we'll explore relatable and practical strategies to help you navigate the stress and maintain your sanity while pursuing excellence.
Let's face it: stress is an inevitable companion in the IB. The heavy workloads, looming deadlines, and the constant pursuit of academic brilliance can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don't worry too much, We're here to help you out with 6 tips from IB graduates on how to overcome IB stress!
1. Don't fold
The first and to us, the most important tip is to not fold, when faced with great stress, it may feel comforting to drop everything and curl up, but this only introduces greater stress. It is important for us to keep in mind, that situations end and stress is an inevitable aspect of our lives, consider it as fuel that guides us in the direction of productivity. While it may sound generic, don't give up, don't fold, don't run, you've got this!
2. Take things a step at a time
The road to completion is often daunting. Instead of looking at the task at hand as some large obstacle, them down into smaller steps. Start by identifying the specific actions you need to take and create a clear plan. This way, you'll have a clear roadmap that makes the task feel less overwhelming. Once you have your plan, set realistic goals for each step and assign deadlines. By giving yourself specific targets, you can maintain a sense of progress and accomplishment as you complete each milestone.
3. Don't put it off
Resist the allure of procrastination and embrace the power of action. It's tempting to go and say 'I'll do it tomorrow,' but this is no different than saying I won't do it today. The truth is, that those who tackle tasks right away gain an exponential advantage over those who perpetually delay. By taking immediate action, you tap into a wellspring of productivity and efficiency, propelling yourself forward with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. So, don't let the allure of tomorrow hold you back—embrace the now and unlock your exponential potential.
4. Use what's out there
For every subject in the IB, there are endless amounts of useful material to use! Of course, that doesn't mean you have to use all of them, but remember that they're out there! Here are some that we recommend, though of course, you can find other alternatives, paid or free if you search hard enough:
Business Management | |
Design Technology | |
​English | https://www.litcharts.com/ |
Pre-existing Flash Cards | https://quizlet.com/ |
All Subjects |
5. Have a scale for importance and urgency
Being aware of your workload is essential for staying on top of your tasks. Tracking the importance and urgency of each piece of work will help you decide what to prioritize and when, preventing indecision which often leads to procrastination. By understanding the significance and time sensitivity of your work, you gain a clear roadmap for effective task management. So, make it a habit to assess the importance and urgency of each task, allowing you to make informed decisions and maintain a proactive approach to your workload.
6. Learn effectively with a clear strategy
The last tip is to summarize key points, teach concepts to others, create mind maps, or engage in group discussions to actively engage with the material. Keep in mind, that preparation and studying that doesn't necessarily mean isolating yourself in your study, collaboration and helping others in similar situations will bring new perspectives into your work! For specific studying methods, here are some that we personally have used:
The Feynman Technique
Spaced Repetition
Active Recall
Thank you for reading! We here at AceMinds Education are a group of IB graduates hoping to make the next generations' lives easier, providing tutoring services to students in need. If you would like to contact us, do so below, good luck!
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