Here are some tips to keep you and your mind healthy?
Weather your young or a mature student, study and exams can be one of the most stressful things we put ourselves through. When I decided to go back to college in my 30’s I had forgotten what side effects of stress were and I certainly didn’t understand how stress affected me, especially like symptoms like feeling sick, getting headaches, and the worst would be feeling cross and cranky which then effected the people around me and it still doesn’t change even in my 50’s when I decide to still put myself through it. BUT now I know how to manage myself, what I need to do to look after my health when it becomes all too much.
So how does it get manageable, when do we know that stress is affecting us or we are pushing ourselves to our bodies limits because let’s face it, being a student and study is one of the hardest jobs in the world and so no matter where we are in our lives balancing studies, extracurriculars, jobs, family or friends, doesn’t surprise us that most people are feeling more stressed than ever.
For most students, for example doing the leaving cert this will be one of the major academic milestones that students will do in their lifetime, and you wouldn’t believe how much of an impact it will have on their mental health while trying to achieve their expectations …. So, what do we need to teach our children, and this also includes ourselves, well one of the answers is that we have to put ourselves in the healthiest mindset to reach our goals, that selfcare, is key and putting a selfcare plan in as part of study plans can help to keep us on track and by putting yourself can give you that healthiest mindset to reach your end goals.
If you’re feeling burned out, try these simple self-care tips for studying.
- Unplug and log off social media.
This is one of the simplest things we can do but can also be the hardest, but it is one of the main causes of a distraction. So, if your serious about your study plan take time to log out or be brave, you can always bring them back, try fully deleting apps like Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook. Social media sis a great way to feel connected to the world around you, but the constant flow of information can also be extremely overwhelming. Removing the apps from your phone is the easiest step to take when you are swamped with studying and takes away the temptation to check in. If you need to be social then change your scene, plan a meet up with a friend, having someone to chat to can change your energy, make you feel calm and gives your brain a break.
- Find a comfortable study space.
We all have our own preferences where we like to study, and it is normally somewhere that is familiar and generally quiet. For most it is found within their own rooms, so when settling down to study, it is important to find a balance between comfort and structure but also without outside distractions so you can be in your most productive, focused headspace.
- Set aside 30 minutes to be active.
Taking a break, even a short one can give you a healthy distraction or even renew energy, it will allow yourself to step away from your work and shut your brain off for a few minutes so when you return to your study you can feel more focused.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
I am always told and plus giving the advice…make sure you are drinking water, but when studying we often put hydration and fuel on the backburner during high-stress periods. Your body needs the nutrients to keep you healthy, alert, and focused. Sometimes we need to train ourselves on how we can achieve this and again I will repeat put it in as part of your study plan, or carry a water bottle with the intention that it has to be drunk by the time you are finished, bring snacks and have them open so you can nibble as you study because if you ignore eating it will only leave you sluggish and unproductive.
- Make a 20-minute playlist of essential tunes.
What type of music do you like to listen too, because making a playlist of your artists or sounds can help keep you focused and calm, instantly making your study space a more enjoyable atmosphere. I find a higher tempo music keeps me more focused, where lower tempo can make me sleepy.
- Reach out to friends when you need a break.
One of the best ways to recharge is to spend time with the people you care most about. If this means roommates, classmates, family, or work colleagues, take time to check in and talk about your day with someone you trust. Keeping all your feeling bootled up will only increase your stress levels, so by talking you are actually releasing forms of tension. As they just let it all out.
- Take some Therapy sessions
At a therapist for over 12 years, a mother and always a student, the Self Care is key, at Head To Toe Therapies we offer therapies from Head Massage to Reflexology. We work with children as well as adults. Offering a variety of treatments that can ease anxiety, insomnia, headaches, back aches, and this only to name a few. All benefits of our treatments can be found on our website at www.headtotoetherapies.ie as well as treatment packages for students for the month of May and June.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
— MARIA ROBINSON