Managing Study Stress as a Working Adult

Author: Tasneem Jaumally

What unique pressures do adult learners face and how can they manage them?

“I’m overwhelmed!”

If that thought has crossed your mind lately, you are not alone. Many adult learners who return to education while juggling work and family find themselves under constant pressure.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of students report frequent stress. While stress is often perceived negatively, not all stress is harmful. In fact, the Yerkes–Dodson Law suggests that performance improves with increased stress levels up to an optimal point, after which it declines (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908). Supporting this, a recent study published in PLOS ONE found that participants experiencing moderate stress demonstrated significantly higher productivity and more positive mood ratings than those under low or high stress (Awada et al., 2024). The key lies in recognising when stress crosses the threshold from motivating to overwhelming and taking steps to manage it before it leads to burnout.

What are the biggest challenges adult learners face and how can stress reduction techniques help?

We will look at some of the stresses of our students and how stress reduction techniques can alleviate them.

  1. Getting back into the classroom

Returning to studies after a break can feel intimidating. Many adult learners worry that they have “lost the habit” or are not as sharp as they used to be. Add in assignments and the pressure starts to mount.

Try this:

Acknowledge your experience. You bring real-world insights that many younger learners do not have. Use your past, be it professional or personal, to add depth to your coursework. And remember, it is normal to take time to adjust.

  1. Academic confidence

Whether it is writing, maths or learning new tools, adult students often doubt their academic abilities, especially when they compare themselves to others.

Try this:

Reframe the way you see each task. It is not a test, but a chance to improve. Skills build over time. Use university resources, watch short tutorials, and do not hesitate to ask for help. You are not expected to know everything from day one.

  1. The triple juggle: work, family and school

Managing your job, caring for your family, and staying on top of studies is no easy feat. There will be moments where something must give.

Try this:

Prioritise ruthlessly. Build a weekly schedule and be realistic. Missed something? Rather than blame yourself, adjust your plan. Stress often stems from trying to do too much at once. You are only human.

  1. Financial stress

Tuition fees, bills, groceries. The financial burden of studying as an adult is real. This stress can quietly undercut your motivation and focus.

Try this:

Create a budget and stick to it. Consider speaking to us about financial support options or flexible payment plans. Take it one semester at a time; slow and steady can still get you to the finish line.

  1. The pressure to “do it all perfectly”

A common source of stress is the belief that you must excel in every role, all the time. Parent, professional, student. That pressure can lead to guilt and anxiety.

Try this:

Drop the perfectionism. Progress matters more than perfection. Celebrate small wins and give yourself credit for showing up even when it is tough.

Stress management tips for adult learners

We have worked on some quick, practical ways to manage study stress.

  • Break tasks into chunks. Avoid last-minute panic by spreading out your workload.
  • Take tech breaks. Too much screen time adds to fatigue. Try walking or a 5-minute stretch.
  • Connect with others. Join a WhatsApp group or student forum. Sharing helps.
  • Practice gratitude. Each day, note one thing that you are proud of. It builds resilience.
  • Get support. Whether it is your partner, a tutor, or student services.  Reach out early.

You are not alone

Whether you are studying a Higher Certificate or an MBA, balancing education with life’s demands is no small task. But remember, stress does not mean failure. It just means that you are growing. With the right strategies and mindset, you can turn pressure into progress.

At Honoris, we are here to support your journey. We understand what adult learners need, and we are committed to helping you succeed.

Written by Tasneem Jaumally, a passionate education leader and lifelong learner.

 

References:

  1. American Institute of Stress (n.d.) Can stress be healthy? Available at: https://www.stress.org/news/can-stress-be-healthy/ (Accessed: 15 May 2025).
  2. Yerkes, R.M. and Dodson, J.D. (1908) ‘The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation’, Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology, 18(5), pp. 459–482.
  3. Awada, M., Becerik-Gerber, B., Lucas, G.M. and Roll, S.C. (2024) ‘Stress appraisal in the workplace and its associations with productivity and mood: Insights from a multimodal machine learning analysis’, PLOS ONE, 19(1), e0296468. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296468 (Accessed: 15 May 2025).