Three Study Strategies That Don’t Stress You Out

Study smarter, not harder—without the burnout.

Studying is a part of life for many of us—whether you’re in school, at university, or completing training for your job. But for some, just hearing the word study can bring on stress, avoidance, or pressure to perform. The good news? Studying doesn’t have to mean hours of overwhelm or endless cramming. With a few gentle strategies, you can make study feel manageable—and even enjoyable.

Take it from me—serial university course taker (don’t ask me about my HECS debt) and someone who has been supporting school and university students for almost twelve years, manageable, sustainable study is possible.

So, here are three low-stress strategies to help you learn effectively, without burning out.

1. The Pomodoro Technique: Study in Short Bursts

Sometimes the hardest part of studying is getting started—especially when it feels like you need to focus for hours. The Pomodoro Technique breaks your study time into small, focused chunks with built-in breaks.

Here’s how it works:

• Study for 25 minutes

• Take a 5-minute break

• Repeat this cycle 4 times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes)

You can adjust the time blocks to suit your attention span. The key is that you're giving your brain periods of intense focus followed by rest—so you avoid mental fatigue and procrastination.

2. Mind Mapping: Make Study Visual

If you’re a visual learner—or someone who struggles to make sense of messy notes—mind mapping can be a great stress-free way to study.

Start with your main topic in the centre of a page, then draw branches outward for related ideas, facts, or questions. Use colours, symbols, or doodles if that helps your memory. Mind maps help you see the bigger picture and how everything connects. They also give you permission to learn in a non-linear way—perfect for those who find traditional note-taking overwhelming.

3. The “One Thing” Rule: Focus on Less to Get More Done

When you look at your to-do list and see ten different tasks, your brain can go into panic mode. Instead, choose one single topic or task to focus on at a time.

Ask yourself:

• “What’s the one thing I can do right now that will move me forward?”

• “What’s one topic I can review today—without worrying about the rest?”

This helps you stay present and feel a sense of accomplishment, rather than racing to tick everything off. This reduces overwhelm and makes your progress feel real—even if it’s just one chapter, one quiz, or one flashcard session.

Remember: productivity is not the same as pressure. These strategies are about working with your brain, not against it. Your mental health is more important than any test, deadline, or grade.

If study anxiety or procrastination is something you struggle with regularly, counselling can help. Together, we can explore what's behind the pressure and build healthier habits that support—not sabotage—your learning.

Need support with study stress, focus, or motivation? Reach out today to book a session and take the pressure down a notch.